Podcast stations, theater, and social communication in Sharjah bring together a variety of cultural activities that celebrate talent and creativity. During the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair, held at the Sharjah Expo Center from November 5 to 16, new experiences will be presented that blend literature, art, and technology, creating an interactive space that invites everyone to celebrate knowledge.
New Features of the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025
This year’s Sharjah International Book Fair includes several innovative stations, such as the “Pop-Up” social communication academy. This interactive platform offers sessions featuring influencers and experts from the fields of literature, media, art, and technology, aiming to expand cultural discussions and encourage the audience to actively participate in creative fields.
Among the new experiences at the fair is a unique offering from the United Kingdom, the “Hair Pharmacy” creative shop, which provides personalized poetic recipes in both Arabic and English, transforming hair care into a fun therapeutic experience.
Podcast as a New Station
For the first time, the fair hosts a “Podcast” audio station to keep pace with the growing interest in digital audio broadcasting in the region. This station allows visitors to interact with some of the most popular Arabic podcast programs, such as “Asmar” and “Jawlan,” providing opportunities for live recording and interaction with the hosts, blending traditional literary forms with contemporary media trends.
Global Voices in the World of Poetry
The cultural program celebrates poetry writing through the “Poetry Café,” which hosts multilingual poetry evenings, featuring influences from Arabic and English as well as Greek and Russian. Among the participating poets are Qatari poet Hamad Al-Breidi and Saudi poet Saeed Al-Mani, alongside other poets offering diverse perspectives in the world of poetry.
The café also welcomes Pakistani poet Syed Suleiman Gilani, known for his satirical poetry, while Russian poet Maxim Zamyshev presents poetic experiences reflecting urban life. Filipino poet Luna Sicat Cleto adds significant value with her poetry and academic insights, and the fair offers an enjoyable area for cultural interaction.
Book Club Sessions and Theatrical Interactions
The inaugural version of the “Book Club” features live dialogues between readers and writers, including Indian author Bano Mushtaq, the winner of the 2025 Booker Prize. She will speak with Jeffrey Mason, the founder of the bestselling book series “I Want to Hear Your Story,” with the aim of enhancing social communication between authors and readers.
The fair also includes an interactive theatrical performance titled “Crime in the Council,” which offers a unique experience through a group of local talents. The performance will take place on November 8, featuring a group of young Emiratis who combine local culture and art in an exciting and innovative way.