Sharjah Book Fair Plans Grand 2027 Relocation

Sharjah Book Fair Finds New Home: 500 Million Dirham Exhibition Center Opening in 2027

One of the most prominent events in the cultural life of the United Arab Emirates, the Sharjah International Book Fair, will soon be moving to a new location. Organizers announced that in November 2027, the fair's 46th edition will take place at a brand new, world-class exhibition and event center. The major investment is valued at 500 million dirhams, and the location was strategically selected within Sharjah's borders.

Project Launch and New Location Selection

The realization of the new exhibition center is already in an advanced stage: the design phase is nearly complete and construction will begin immediately. The project is driven by a significant vision: to create a multifunctional facility that can serve as a worthy home for the book fair and future cultural and professional events.

Initially, the construction was envisioned near the Sharjah Mosque, but technical difficulties encountered during deep groundwork led to the need for a new site. The goal was to keep the center along a busy route without disturbing the tranquility of surrounding residential areas. Several alternative areas were considered, but the final decision was to purchase a plot worth 146 million dirhams, situated at the junction of Emirates–Al Dhaid–Khorfakkan roads.

This strategic location is advantageous not only from a logistical standpoint but also takes into account future transportation developments, such as the planned railway station, which could be built near the Al Wahda road intersection with Al Khulafa Al Rashideen.

A New Era for the Book Fair

The Sharjah International Book Fair has long been held at the Expo Centre Sharjah in the Al Taawun district. While the current location has successfully hosted the event for years, the continuously increasing number of visitors and infrastructural constraints have made the realization of a new, more modern, and larger capacity venue timely.

The aim was not just to create a larger space but to design a center that is sustainable in the long term and can meet the growing cultural and professional needs of the region. The new center will not only host the book fair but other important events, such as the already relocated Xposure International Photography Festival, and will host additional exhibitions in the future.

Construction and Timing

Construction is expected to take two years, but the goal is to complete it within 22 months. This would allow the 2027 book fair to be held at the new center. This ambitious timing demonstrates the project's high priority and the organizers' commitment to developing Sharjah's cultural life.

Not only will the building itself be developed during the construction, but the surrounding transportation infrastructure will also be enhanced. Plans include creating a rear exit to optimize traffic flow, and continuous updates to routes and junctions are underway to ensure smooth transportation during the events.

The Future of Expo Centre

It is important to note that although the book fair will have a new home, the Expo Centre Sharjah will remain active. It will continue to serve as a venue for trade exhibitions and other events, maintaining a full calendar of programs. This model allows Sharjah to benefit from two strong and complementary event centers that can specialize in different types of events.

The difference between the two centers will be apparent not only in capacity but also in function. While the Expo Centre will remain a space for businesses and trade exhibitions, the new exhibition center will become the home of culture, arts, and large-scale events.

Cultural Vision and Future Prospects

Sharjah has long paid special attention to book culture, and the new center reinforces this long-term vision. Known as the cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates, the city has become a key player in book publishing, literature, and the arts, both regionally and internationally.

The new center and related infrastructure developments will not only enhance the quality of events but also positively impact the city's economy and tourism. The book fair already attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, and this number may increase in the future due to the impressive new venue.

Conclusion

The new exhibition and event center opening in 2027 marks a new chapter in the history of the Sharjah International Book Fair. The project represents not only a new location but also a symbol of the city's cultural commitment and developmental direction. The careful location selection, comprehensive development plans, and future transportation links all aim to keep Sharjah a leading cultural hub in the region.

This investment also serves as inspiration: to elevate an event to a new level by thinking long term, considering strategic perspectives, and simultaneously serving the overall development of the city.

(Source: Based on an announcement by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.)