Photo: Instagram.com/SharjahBookAuthority
Running from November 1 to 12 at the Expo Centre Sharjah, the 2023 edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair is just around the corner, and promises to be even more interesting than the ones before it.
This year, the renowned fair will be held under the theme We Speak for Books, and will bring together more than 120 speakers — from bestselling authors to actors and singers — to host a range of sessions, workshops and keynote addresses. Along with that, Sharjah International Book Fair will also feature a whopping 2,000 publishers from 69 countries, all of whom are dedicated to spotlighting their latest titles and encouraging readership. Out of these, more than 1,000 publishers will come from within the region, with names from the UAE and Egypt leading the way.
Who will be attending Sharjah International Book Fair 2023?
It comes as no surprise that Sharjah International Book Fair will be attended by some of the world’s most-loved authors — think Malcolm Gladwell, the man behind Talking to Strangers, Blink, and The Tipping Point, and Mohsin Hamid, the best-selling writer who gave us gems like The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Exit West, and Moth Smoke. Along with them, Emirati writers Khaled Al Badou, Mashael Al Nabooda and Adel Khozam will also be in attendance for panel sessions and book signings. Adding to the impressive list will be Algeria’s Ahlam Mosteghanemi, Egypt’s Ahmed Mourad, and Lebanon’s Talal Haidar.
Meet Kadim Al Sahir, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Bassem Youssef, and more
Photo: Instagram.com/kadimalsahirofficial
Stepping out of the realm of writing, Sharjah International Book Fair will also see several noteworthy individuals across varying industries in attendance. Iraqi musical icon Kadim Al Sahir — who also performed at the 2021 edition of the Vogue Ball of Arabia — will be dropping in for a rare sit down conversation about his creative journey, the stories behind his best songs, and much more. Along with him, Bollywood superstar Kareena Kapoor Khan will also be meeting guests for a keynote speech covering her journey in films and her 2012 book, Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Pregnancy Bible.
Photo: Instagram.com/kareenakapoorkhan
As the festival proceeds, Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef will also make an appearance to present a public dialogue about the happenings around the world today, while American astronaut Sunita Williams will meet attendees to discuss her incredible career.
South Korea’s special pavilion
This year, South Korea will be the guest of honor at the Sharjah International Book Fair, with its own national pavilion. Here, a wide cultural programme will unfold, replete with literary talks, cooking sessions, and musical performances. In attendance will be some of the country’s most respected authors and illustrators, including Kyung Hye-won, Kim Sang-keun and Park Hyun-min.
More cultural highlights to keep an eye out for
During the 2023 Sharjah International Book Fair, guests can also enjoy a three-day Thriller Festival (kickstarting on November 8), which will highlight crime and suspense reads. 10 writers including Felix Francis, Ivy Pochoda and Candice Fox will present their works for discussions. Along with this, guests can also enjoy a deep dive into Portugal’s history with the Gulf via a special session by the University of Coimbra, which will be accompanied by an exhibition displaying maps, books and manuscripts.
