Asan Tata— November 3, 2026The Sharjah International Book Fair opens tomorrow, and it is one of the easiest days out in the UAE this month. Entry is free, the halls are full of books from around the world, and there are events for children, families and serious readers alike. If you live in Dubai, Sharjah or Abu Dhabi, here is everything you need to plan your visit.
Quick Answer
The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair runs from Wednesday, 4 November to Sunday, 15 November 2026 at Expo Centre Sharjah. Entry is free for all visitors, and general visitors do not need to register in advance. The fair brings together 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries, with 1,500 cultural and artistic events planned. This year, Oman is the Guest of Honour, and the theme is “Made of Stories”. From Dubai, you can take the FR5 ferry to Sharjah, with one-way adult fares of Dh15 for Silver Class and Dh25 for Gold Class.
When and Where the Fair Takes Place
The fair runs for 12 days, from Wednesday, 4 November to Sunday, 15 November 2026. It is held at Expo Centre Sharjah, on Al Taawun Street in the Al Khan area, near Arab Mall. The venue is about 20 minutes from Sharjah International Airport.
The Sharjah Book Authority organises the fair. It is one of the largest book fairs in the world, and it has grown steadily over the years. Publisher and exhibitor numbers for 2026 are nearly 14 per cent higher than last year, according to press coverage of the event.
This is the 45th edition of the fair. That long history is part of its appeal. What began as a small local event is now a major date on the international publishing calendar, drawing writers, publishers and readers from across the globe.
What Is New This Year
The theme for 2026 is “Made of Stories”. According to the Sharjah Book Authority, the theme celebrates how stories passed down, read and shared across generations shape human memory, identity and understanding. It is a fitting theme for a fair that brings so many cultures together in one place.
Oman is the Guest of Honour this year. A dedicated programme will highlight Oman’s cultural heritage, along with its contemporary literary, artistic and intellectual work. If you want to learn more about Omani writing and culture, the Guest of Honour programme is a good place to start.
Alongside the 2,673 publishers and exhibitors, the fair will host 106 writers, artists and intellectuals from 25 countries. The programme includes literary discussions, book signings, poetry evenings, workshops and professional sessions for people working in publishing, translation and libraries.
Events Worth Planning Around
The 1,500 cultural and artistic events include several highlights. Crime fiction fans can head to the fifth Thriller Festival, which runs from 7 to 10 November and features more than 12 specialists in the genre. It is a focused festival within the fair, with talks and sessions built around crime and thriller writing.
Two new attractions stand out this year. Poets’ Corner turns visitors’ personal stories into poems in Arabic and English. The Future Hands District is an interactive space that introduces children to different professions through hands-on activities. Both are designed to be welcoming even if you are not a regular book fair visitor.
Families will also find children’s workshops, theatrical performances and live cooking demonstrations across the 12 days. Three of the major stage productions require advance booking, so check the programme before you travel if a particular show matters to you. The outdoor stage production Waterland takes place on 14 and 15 November, the final weekend of the fair.
The professional programme also looks at how the publishing world is changing. Sessions cover artificial intelligence, digital publishing, translation and intellectual property. These are useful for students and professionals, but most of the fair is aimed at ordinary readers and families.
Entry: Free, With a Few Exceptions
Entry to the fair is free for all visitors. General visitors do not need to register in advance, according to the fair’s official frequently asked questions. You can simply arrive at Expo Centre Sharjah and walk in.
Some workshops, professional sessions and special talks do require registration. The same applies to the three major stage productions that need advance booking. If you plan your visit around one author or one event, check the official programme first and book where needed. For a general browse of the halls, no booking is needed at all.
Getting There From Dubai
One of the most pleasant ways to reach the fair from Dubai is by ferry. The FR5 service connects Al Ghubaiba Marine Station in Dubai with Sharjah Aquarium Marine Station. Khaleej Times confirmed on 3 November that the ferry is open this year, ahead of the fair’s opening.
One-way adult fares are Dh15 for Silver Class and Dh25 for Gold Class, according to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Children under five and people of determination travel free. Tickets can be bought with a Nol card or at marine station ticketing facilities.
Passengers are advised to arrive 15 minutes before departure and to check the latest ferry timetable, as timings can change. Note that the ferry arrives at Sharjah Aquarium Marine Station, so you will still need an onward journey from the marine station to Expo Centre Sharjah. Plan that last leg before you travel, especially if you are travelling with children or carrying bags of books.
By road, the authorities have also prepared for the crowds. The Initiatives Implementation Authority and Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority have announced that roads serving Expo Centre Sharjah are ready for the fair. The Sharjah Book Authority said at a press conference in October that free shuttle buses and additional parking would be provided this year, although shuttle routes and timings had not been released at the time of writing. Check the fair’s official channels for the latest shuttle details before you set out.
Opening Hours: What to Check Before You Go
Daily opening hours are one detail to double-check. Gulf News reported that daily opening hours had not been published at the time of writing, and advised visitors to check the programme. Visitor guides for the fair report the following pattern, but treat it as a guide rather than a confirmed official timetable:
| Day | Reported hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday to Wednesday | 10:00 to 22:00 |
| Thursday and Saturday | 10:00 to 23:00 |
| Friday | 16:00 to 23:00 |
The Friday timing is the one that catches people out. If the reported hours are correct, the halls open at 4 pm on Fridays, so a Friday morning visit on 6 or 13 November would not work. Because the official hours had not been confirmed in the guides available at the time of writing, check the fair’s official programme on the day of your visit. A quick check can save a wasted trip.
What Your Visit Will Cost
For most visitors, the fair itself costs nothing. The table below sums up the main costs, based on the official and RTA figures quoted above.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Fair entry | Free for all visitors |
| Ferry from Dubai, Silver Class (one way, adult) | Dh15 |
| Ferry from Dubai, Gold Class (one way, adult) | Dh25 |
| Ferry, children under five and people of determination | Free |
| Parking at Expo Centre Sharjah | Reported free during the fair |
Books, food and any paid workshops are extra, and prices vary by stall. Bringing a bag for purchases is a good idea, and many regular visitors set a budget before they arrive. With thousands of stalls, it is easy to spend more than planned.
Tips for a Good Visit
First, decide what kind of visit you want. If you love browsing, give yourself several hours and start with the halls that interest you most. If you have children, look at the children’s workshops and the Future Hands District first, while energy is high.
Second, check the programme for the day you plan to visit. With 1,500 events across 12 days, the line-up changes daily. Author talks, signings and workshops all run at set times, and the popular ones fill up. A short list of must-see events will help you use your time well.
Third, plan your transport both ways. If you take the ferry, confirm the return timetable before you leave Dubai. If you drive, allow extra time on weekends, when the roads around Expo Centre Sharjah are busiest. The free shuttle buses, once their routes are published, may be the simplest option for the last part of the journey.
Fourth, wear comfortable shoes. Expo Centre Sharjah is large, and a full visit means a lot of walking between halls. Bring water, and take breaks in the food areas. The fair is meant to be enjoyed slowly, not rushed.
Finally, keep an eye on the weather. The National Centre of Meteorology has forecast fair to partly cloudy weather with a chance of rain in eastern areas this week, along with fog or mist overnight. That should not affect an indoor fair, but it may affect your journey, especially early in the morning.
Why the Fair Matters
The Sharjah International Book Fair is more than a market for books. It is a meeting place for readers, writers and publishers from 124 countries. For residents of the UAE, it is a rare chance to browse books from many languages and cultures in one venue, and to meet the people behind them.
For families, it offers children a direct encounter with stories, authors and creative activities. For students, the professional sessions give a window into publishing, translation and writing as careers. For anyone who simply enjoys reading, it is 12 days of discovery, all with free entry.
The fair also reflects Sharjah’s wider cultural role in the UAE. The emirate has built a strong reputation for books, reading and culture, and the fair is its flagship event. The announcement of a new AED 500 million exhibition and convention centre, intended to house the fair from November 2027, shows how seriously that role is taken.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Sharjah International Book Fair 2026 start and end?
It runs from Wednesday, 4 November to Sunday, 15 November 2026, a total of 12 days, at Expo Centre Sharjah.
Is entry to the book fair free?
Yes. Entry is free for all visitors, and general visitors do not need to register in advance. Some workshops, professional sessions and major stage shows do require advance booking or registration.
How do I get to the fair from Dubai?
You can take the FR5 ferry from Al Ghubaiba Marine Station in Dubai to Sharjah Aquarium Marine Station, then travel onward to Expo Centre Sharjah. Adult one-way fares are Dh15 for Silver Class and Dh25 for Gold Class. Roads to the venue have also been prepared, and free shuttle buses and extra parking have been announced.
Who is the Guest of Honour in 2026?
Oman is the Guest of Honour for the 45th edition, with a dedicated programme on Omani culture, literature and art.
What is the theme of the 2026 fair?
The theme is “Made of Stories”, celebrating how stories shared across generations shape memory, identity and understanding.
Are there events for children?
Yes. The programme includes children’s workshops, theatrical performances and the new Future Hands District, an interactive space that introduces children to different professions.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only. Event timings, shuttle routes and session details can change, and daily opening hours had not been officially confirmed in the sources available at the time of writing. Check the fair’s official programme and the RTA ferry timetable before you travel, especially for Friday visits and for any event that requires advance booking.
Last Updated: 3 November 2026
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