The 44th Sharjah International Book Fair opened on Wednesday with a programme that underscores the emirate’s role as a beacon of knowledge and cultural exchange.
The 12-day fair, under the theme Between You and a Book, brings together more than 2,350 publishers from 66 countries, offering visitors millions of titles and more than 1,200 cultural and artistic events. With literary discussions, live performances, cooking shows and poetry nights, this year’s fair continues Sharjah’s tradition of turning reading into a celebration of ideas.
Here are five things to do at this year’s fair.
1. Meet Will Smith and other international stars
Few other events in the region gather such a wide spectrum of global voices. This year, one of Hollywood’s most recognisable stars, Academy Award winner Will Smith, will appear on November 14 for a session exploring his journey through film, music and writing.
The star of Men in Black and The Pursuit of Happyness will reflect on creativity, resilience and how storytelling connects his many artistic pursuits.
Respected authors and thinkers shaping global discourses are also appearing at the fair. Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who has helped redefine contemporary African literature, will speak about identity and narrative power. Irish novelist Paul Lynch, winner of the 2023 Booker Prize, and Italian theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli, known for his accessible writing about science and philosophy, are also among the headliners.
For those seeking insight about mental health and personal growth, British psychologist and bestselling author Dr Julie Smith will discuss her approach to emotional well-being, while Indian content creator Prajakta Koli brings a digital-age perspective on storytelling and community.
Egyptology enthusiasts can look forward to a session with Dr Zahi Hawass, a former minister of tourism and antiquities. Also attending are Egyptian film star Khaled El Sawy and Tunisian actor and director Dhafer L’Abidine.
2. Celebrate Greek culture and literature
Each year, the book fair honours a nation whose cultural legacy has shaped world literature. In 2025, Greece takes centre stage.
Through its pavilion exhibition Greek Literature: The Long Journey, visitors can explore the evolution of Greek writing, from ancient philosophers and poets to modern storytellers, and its influence on global culture.
The programme includes 58 Greek publishers and more than 70 participants, including authors, musicians and illustrators. Highlights include a roaming theatre show, a musical theatre performance inspired by Greek poetry, and interactive workshops designed to bridge Greek and Emirati creative traditions.
At the Cookery Corner, Greek chefs will offer a taste of the Mediterranean with live sessions that blend culinary heritage and literature, reflecting how food and storytelling are deeply intertwined.
3. Attend the Thriller Festival
For fans of mystery and crime fiction, the Thriller Festival returns to Sharjah International Book Fair from November 8 to 11. The event, organised in collaboration with Thriller Festival New York, gathers 13 international authors known for gripping narratives and complex characters.
Among the featured writers are Canadian novelist Jennifer Hillier, American author Chris Pavone, Icelandic crime writer Ragnar Jonasson, and British author Araminta Hall.
Adding a theatrical twist, the festival will debut an interactive performance titled Murder at the Majlis, written by American University of Sharjah graduate Bhoomika Ghaghada and directed by Tarun Shyam. Audience members will become participants, piecing together clues to solve a fictional crime in real time.
4. Take part in workshops
With 750 workshops across 12 days, the fair offers one of the most extensive creative education programmes in the region. Sessions include creative writing and translation, screenwriting and publishing, providing insights for aspiring authors and professionals alike.
Children can take part in hands-on sessions such as Mini Library, Let’s Go Tufting Together, and Build Your Own House, encouraging learning through play.
The Pop-Up Academy will make its debut, inviting regional influencers and specialists to lead discussions on literature, art, media and technology. Another new addition, the Poetry Pharmacy, offers bilingual Arabic-English “prescriptions” of poetry to inspire visitors.
5. Savour the flavours of world cuisine
Beyond the written word, the book fair has long celebrated the art of food. The Cookery Corner returns this year with 35 live sessions featuring 14 international chefs, including Hisham Asaad, Fadi Kattan, Philip Khoury, and Hawa Hassan.
From traditional Arab dishes to innovative desserts, each session explores the connections between cuisine, culture and creativity.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
British Grand Prix free practice times in the third and final session at Silverstone on Saturday (top five):
1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:28.063 (18 laps)
2. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) 1:28.095 (14)
3. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 1:28.137 (20)
4. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Ferrari) 1:28.732 (15)
5. Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Renault) 1:29.480 (14)
Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
%3Cp%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%201.9km%20King%20Salman%20Boulevard%2C%20a%20Parisian%20Champs-Elysees-inspired%20avenue%2C%20is%20scheduled%20for%20completion%20in%202028%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20Royal%20Diriyah%20Opera%20House%20is%20expected%20to%20be%20completed%20in%20four%20years%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%20first%20of%2042%20hotels%2C%20the%20Bab%20Samhan%20hotel%2C%20will%20open%20in%20the%20first%20quarter%20of%202024%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20On%20completion%20in%202030%2C%20the%20Diriyah%20project%20is%20forecast%20to%20accommodate%20more%20than%20100%2C000%20people%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20%2463.2%20billion%20Diriyah%20project%20will%20contribute%20%247.2%20billion%20to%20the%20kingdom%E2%80%99s%20GDP%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20It%20will%20create%20more%20than%20178%2C000%20jobs%20and%20aims%20to%20attract%20more%20than%2050%20million%20visits%20a%20year%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20About%202%2C000%20people%20work%20for%20the%20Diriyah%20Company%2C%20with%20more%20than%2086%20per%20cent%20being%20Saudi%20citizens%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 BMW X2 and X3
Price, as tested: Dh255,150 (X2); Dh383,250 (X3)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder (X2); 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder (X3)
Power 192hp @ 5,000rpm (X2); 355hp @ 5,500rpm (X3)
Torque: 280Nm @ 1,350rpm (X2); 500Nm @ 1,520rpm (X3)
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic (X2); Eight-speed automatic (X3)
Fuel consumption, combined: 5.7L / 100km (X2); 8.3L / 100km (X3)
The smuggler
Eldarir had arrived at JFK in January 2020 with three suitcases, containing goods he valued at $300, when he was directed to a search area.
Officers found 41 gold artefacts among the bags, including amulets from a funerary set which prepared the deceased for the afterlife.
Also found was a cartouche of a Ptolemaic king on a relief that was originally part of a royal building or temple.
The largest single group of items found in Eldarir’s cases were 400 shabtis, or figurines.
Khouli conviction
Khouli smuggled items into the US by making false declarations to customs about the country of origin and value of the items.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he provided “false provenances which stated that [two] Egyptian antiquities were part of a collection assembled by Khouli’s father in Israel in the 1960s” when in fact “Khouli acquired the Egyptian antiquities from other dealers”.
He was sentenced to one year of probation, six months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service in 2012 after admitting buying and smuggling Egyptian antiquities, including coffins, funerary boats and limestone figures.
For sale
A number of other items said to come from the collection of Ezeldeen Taha Eldarir are currently or recently for sale.
Their provenance is described in near identical terms as the British Museum shabti: bought from Salahaddin Sirmali, “authenticated and appraised” by Hossen Rashed, then imported to the US in 1948.
– An Egyptian Mummy mask dating from 700BC-30BC, is on offer for £11,807 ($15,275) online by a seller in Mexico
– A coffin lid dating back to 664BC-332BC was offered for sale by a Colorado-based art dealer, with a starting price of $65,000
– A shabti that was on sale through a Chicago-based coin dealer, dating from 1567BC-1085BC, is up for $1,950
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick “walls” of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champioons League semi-final, first leg:
Liverpool 5
Salah (35′, 45 1′), Mane (56′), Firmino (61′, 68′)
Roma 2
Dzeko (81′), Perotti (85′ pen)
Second leg: May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
‘Manmarziyaan’ (Colour Yellow Productions, Phantom Films)
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal
Rating: 3.5/5
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
Liverpool’s all-time goalscorers
Ian Rush 346
Roger Hunt 285
Mohamed Salah 250
Gordon Hodgson 241
Billy Liddell 228
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
The specs: 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Price, base / as tested: Dh101,140 / Dh113,800
Engine: Turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder
Power: 148hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 250Nm @ 2,000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed CVT
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.0L / 100km
