Transforming societies through the written word.
Connecting readers, publishers, writers, translators and cultural communities through knowledge, literature and the power of books.
Who We Are
The AuthorityA cultural authority for the written word.
Sharjah Book Authority advances reading, publishing and knowledge across the Emirate and the world — connecting writers, publishers and readers through a shared belief in the power of books.
About the Authority
- 01 / Mission
Nurture reading
To nurture a love of reading and empower the publishing community through world-class fairs, libraries and cultural programmes.
- 02 / Vision
Connect cultures
A world connected by knowledge, where the written word transforms societies and connects cultures across borders.
- 03 / Our Role
Convene & support
As Sharjah’s cultural authority, we convene, support and represent the people who bring books to life.
Fairs & Festivals
View allWhere the world gathers around books.
From the Sharjah International Book Fair to festivals for young readers, the Authority convenes the people, publishers and stories that move culture forward.
Publishing & Distribution
Read moreFrom manuscript to market.
The Authority moves the written word at every stage — backing publishers, opening rights and translation, and building the networks that carry books to readers worldwide.
Sharjah Publishing City
Explore
The world’s first
The world’s first publishing free zone.
A dedicated hub where publishers, printers and distributors set up, trade and grow — with end-to-end infrastructure for the global book industry, from licensing to printing and distribution.
- 1st
- Publishing free zone in the world
- 100%
- Foreign business ownership
- 60+
- Languages served worldwide
05 — Sharjah Public Library
A home for every reader.
From rare manuscripts to children’s collections, the Authority’s libraries keep knowledge open to all — in print and online.
News & Media
View all news
Sharjah International Book Fair returns for its 44th edition.
Eleven days of authors, publishers and readers from more than 90 countries gather at Expo Centre Sharjah for one of the world’s largest book marketplaces. The programme spans cultural talks, professional sessions, children’s activities and live performances, with thousands of titles in Arabic and world languages. This year places a special focus on translation and rights trading, as the Publishers Conference convenes industry leaders from across the globe to shape the future of the book.