Sharjah Book Fair: A Cultural Extravaganza

Special Experiences at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair: Poetry, Science, and Investigation in One Place

Between November 5th and 16th, 2025, the Sharjah International Book Fair returns for its 44th edition. The event is not only one of the largest literary celebrations in the Arab world but also a cultural event of global significance, offering more than 1,200 diverse programs to visitors this year. The fair's motto, "Between You and a Book," reflects the intention that reading should be a personal, emotion-evoking experience, rather than just an intellectual activity.

The Expo Centre Sharjah hosts the fair, where guests from 66 countries— including writers, poets, scientists, and artists—will attend. A unique feature of the event is its inclusion of both literature and science in its program, opening new perspectives for readers.

Poetry Pharmacy – Verse Pills for the Soul

One of the most surprising and innovative experiences is the "Poetry Pharmacy," which arrives from the United Kingdom at the book fair. The idea is that visitors can "prescribe" poems in accordance with their mood, similar to a medical prescription. The pharmacy offers "verse pills," containing lines of poetry encapsulated from poets around the world.

For those feeling sad, comforting lines are recommended, while those feeling happy receive poems matching their mood. This kind of "literary therapy" aims for reading to not only facilitate the acquisition of knowledge but also to support our mental and emotional wellbeing. It highlights that poetry is not merely an abstract genre but a powerful tool for building personal connections.

Detective Game in a Literary Disguise

Another novelty at the book fair is an interactive theatrical game in which audience members become participants. It is not a traditional performance: the participants are required to act as detectives within the story, seeking clues while reading the book, and ultimately solving a mystery. During the game, reading and thinking go hand in hand, transforming the book into an active discovery rather than a passive experience.

This program combines the thrill of classic detective stories with the interactivity of modern theatre. Participants are not merely readers, but become part of the story, actively shaping the plot. The goal is for visitors to feel they are part of the pages of a novel—a "living storybook."

Storytelling Science – New Themes for All Ages

Organizers also place special emphasis on ensuring the book fair is not just about literature, but also brings readers closer to different fields of science. Themes such as archaeology, mathematics, physics, and natural sciences are featured, not as dry lectures, but through storytelling, allowing even the youngest visitors to engage.

Workshops, cultural panels, cooking shows, and interactive sessions for children aim to make reading an experience rather than just learning. The scientific programs head in this direction too, as storytelling enables children to understand and appreciate the workings of the world more easily.

Literature as a Community Experience

According to the organizers, the aim of the Sharjah International Book Fair is for every generation to find their place within it. Fans of classical literature, modern bestsellers, those interested in science, lovers of poetry, or visitors with families can all find programs that resonate with them.

Sharjah has long been famous as a cultural hub in the Arab world, but its international presence has become more prominent in recent years. The book fair is part of this direction, not only promoting the love of reading but also building cultural bridges between countries and peoples.

A Book Fair Beyond Books

The Sharjah International Book Fair has grown far beyond being merely a book sales event. It has become a cultural platform where visitors can learn, build connections, immerse themselves in poetry, or embark on a literary mystery. Here, literature is not static but an alive, moving, diverse, and emotion-evoking phenomenon.

As November approaches, more attention will turn to Sharjah, as the book fair redefines the concept of cultural experience every year. Anyone in the region wanting to connect with the world of books in a completely different way should visit the fair—be it for a poem, an exciting literary investigation, or simply out of curiosity.

(The article is based on a release from the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair.)