FOR decades, Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) has stood as a global literary beacon, attracting writers, publishers, journalists and readers from across continents.
Last year’s event highlighted how the emirate continues to offer a thriving environment for literary and educational exchange, even amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia and the Middle East. Participants from around the world attest that Sharjah remains a stable platform where ideas flourish and where a culture of reading – especially among children and young adults – is actively nurtured.
In an exclusive series of interviews, participants from multiple countries – including an author, a journalist, an event attendee and a hotel staff member – provide an honest look at how Sharjah balances global ambition with local security concerns.
A Haven for Writers and Readers
Dubai-based life clarity coach and author Ami Rasheed made last year’s SIBF a career highlight.
“I consider my writing journey as deeply personal. I ventured into writing as my own process of transformation and self-discovery,” she said, referring to her debut book, ‘Make the Clarity Call to Yourself’, which became an International Amazon bestseller.
Rasheed described presenting her work to Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority and President of the International Publishers Association, as a defining moment.
“It was an extremely proud moment for me to present my book to HE Sheikha Bodour, who has multiple intellectual and leadership roles. The opportunity to meet writers, thought leaders, publishers, book lovers, organisers, diplomats and mission officials was priceless,” she said.
“Living in the UAE, I feel a great sense of safety and gratitude under the country’s visionary leadership.
“The nation truly champions a culture of tolerance, creativity, and intellectual exchange. For writers, this means we can express our ideas confidently and connect with diverse audiences, both locally and globally.”
Malaysian participant Carolyn Foo highlighted everyday experiences that cement Sharjah’s reputation for safety.
“I saw families at the beach with kids playing freely… it made the whole environment feel genuinely safe,” she recalled about last year’s SIBF event. “I felt comfortable walking around, even at night, which isn’t something I usually take for granted in a new place.”
South African journalist Kedibone Modise echoed the sentiment: “First impression of Sharjah: Safe. Conservative. Heritage-driven. Peaceful. Traditional. Deeply cultured. Passionate about literature and arts.”
Education and Cultural Exchange Beyond Borders
SIBF isn’t just an event; it’s a “global classroom”. Rasheed described her book as “essentially a leadership guide to living with purpose and direction,” reflecting how SIBF encourages not only literary exploration but self-development.
Foo emphasised the fair’s “diverse speaker line-up”, citing sessions by experts as varied as Dr Julie Smith and Yuji Beleza.
“The scale of the book fair itself and the overall energy made it a really engaging experience,” she said. “It’s well organised, safe and a great environment to learn and connect.”
For children and young adults in the region, the impact is tangible. Exposure to global authors and ideas instils a reading habit early, fostering curiosity and critical thinking skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Regional Tensions Cast a Shadow
While Sharjah remains a haven, external pressures are undeniable. Rising fuel prices, escalating costs of goods, and the broader threat of conflict reverberate through the emirate.
Modise, referencing her home country of South Africa, said: “South Africa has over 30pc unemployment rate. The high fuel price is not doing any justice to our already crippled economy. I pray for peace and unity amid the chaos in the world.”
Balancing Safety with Global Engagement
Even with global conflicts and economic pressures, SIBF continues to operate as a “world-class literary hub”, attracting authors like Rasheed, journalists like Modise, and participants like Foo from across the globe.
Rasheed emphasised the importance of the UAE’s support infrastructure:
“Platforms like SIBF genuinely support meaningful literary work… even in uncertain times, the pursuit of knowledge and creativity continues uninterrupted.”
The fair demonstrates how Sharjah not only promotes education and literacy but also acts as a “cultural bridge” – nurturing young readers, connecting global minds, and offering a safe space for intellectual dialogue in a region often defined by instability.
Sharjah’s ability to host world-renowned literary events amid regional turmoil underscores the emirate’s unique position: a hub of “stability, safety, and education”. SIBF is more than a book fair; it is a “statement of resilience”, showing that culture and learning can thrive even when the wider region faces uncertainty.
As Rasheed puts it: “Living in the UAE, I can connect with diverse audiences, express ideas confidently, and grow as a writer – all while knowing that the environment supports intellectual exploration.”
For children, visitors, and writers alike, Sharjah proves that even in times of conflict, the pursuit of knowledge and the joy of literature remain unshaken.
