Sharjah Book Fair Offers Free Transport Options

Free Buses and Boats to Sharjah Book Fair – New Transport Routes for Visitors from Dubai, Ajman, and Sharjah

Adapting to the increasing interest in cultural events, Sharjah authorities are placing special emphasis this year on making the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair easily accessible for everyone – whether visitors are coming from Dubai, Ajman, or Sharjah itself. The event, taking place from November 5 to 16, features new bus and boat routes, as well as free transfers to expand the transportation network.

Highlighting Public Transportation

The transportation expansion announced by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) aims not only to make the Book Fair a standout cultural event in terms of content but also in logistics. Visitors are offered convenient and accessible travel options, particularly from busy city areas or neighboring emirates. The free transfers and frequent departure times allow the audience to easily reach the Expo Centre Sharjah, where the event is held, at any time of the day.

New Bus Routes from Dubai and Ajman

Two new daily bus routes have been introduced: one departing from Dubai's Al Rashidiya bus station, and the other from the City Centre Ajman shopping mall. The buses run in both directions at three times, corresponding with the book fair opening hours and peak visitor times. Buses to the Expo Centre depart at 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 5:00 PM, while return journeys are at 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM.

This system provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for those planning a day visit to the event. There is no need to search for parking or struggle with traffic jams, as the buses take passengers directly to the entrance of Expo Centre Sharjah.

Marine Connection Between Dubai and Sharjah

The FR5 marine route operates between Dubai Al Ghubaiba Marine Station and the Sharjah Aquarium Marine Station, offering visitors the chance to travel to the book fair by boat amid picturesque surroundings. Passengers arriving are transported for free on traditional Arab-style boats between the Sharjah Aquarium, Al Qasba, and the Expo Centre throughout the fair's opening hours.

This type of marine transportation is not only practical but also an experience: it opens the cultural route in a unique way and complements the atmosphere of Sharjah's waterfront districts.

Marine Route Timetable

The boat service schedule is flexible, adjusting to different needs and operating differently on weekdays, Fridays, and weekends.

Sharjah Aquarium → Al Ghubaiba (Dubai):

Monday to Thursday: 07:00, 08:30, 13:00, 16:45, 18:15

Friday: 07:00, 08:30, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00

Weekend (Saturday-Sunday): 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 21:00

Al Ghubaiba (Dubai) → Sharjah:

Weekdays: 07:45, 12:00, 16:00, 17:30, 19:00

Friday: 07:45, 10:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00

Weekend: 15:00, 17:00, 20:00, 22:00

These schedules allow visitors to travel conveniently between the two emirates in the morning, afternoon, or evening, aligning their routes with cultural programs.

Culture More Accessible Than Ever

Sharjah's goal is to make the celebration of books and reading accessible to everyone – regardless of age, gender, social status, or residence. The transportation expansions serve this purpose: enabling not only residents of Sharjah but also those from neighboring emirates to visit the fair easily, cost-effectively, and comfortably.

Departing from Dubai, for example, the event is accessible by combining metro and boat travel while avoiding traffic jams and parking challenges. The routes departing from Ajman also offer a quick and easy alternative for those who would like to join the book festival for just a few hours during the day.

Expected Impact and Long-term Benefits

The decision by the Sharjah Book Authority to strengthen public transportation to such an extent not only supports the logistical success of this year's event but also sets an example of sustainable, community-centered thinking. The use of free transfers and marine transportation not only reduces car traffic but also contributes to a high visitor experience.

Furthermore, Sharjah reaffirms its position as the cultural capital of the region – where not just content but also accessibility and experience receive prime attention.

Summary

The 44th Sharjah International Book Fair is not only a celebration of passion for books and literature but also an example of how public transportation can be intelligently placed at the service of culture. The new bus routes from Dubai and Ajman, the FR5 marine route, and the free local transfers all convey the message: reading, learning, and cultural experiences are for everyone. For those wishing to discover one of the Middle East's largest book fairs, every support is available – all that's left is to set off.

(The article is sourced from a release by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA).)