The event which is taking place at the Expo Centre Sharjah until November 13 has brought together more than 1,600 publishers from 83 countries and 15 million books.

A haven for book lovers in the UAE, the Sharjah International Book Fair has only grown bigger over the years and now, the 40th edition of the book fair is the largest in the world, organisers announced.

The event which is taking place at the Expo Centre Sharjah until November 13 has brought together more than 1,600 publishers from 83 countries and 15 million books, making it the largest since the fair was established in 1982.

It is also for the first time, that the fair has become the world’s largest book fair, announced the Sharjah Book Authority, on Friday.

Taking place under the theme, ‘There is always a right book,’ the book fair is one of the first in the region to take place in-person with a focused programme ever since the pandemic hit the world.

“This new record reflects the fruition of SIBF’s efforts and a qualitative step towards the full recovery of the publishing and creative industries worldwide,” read a release from the Sharjah Book Authority.

“The new SIBF record is a local, regional and international achievement that could not have been realised without the continuing support of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who firmly believes that building strong societies and civilisations can only be achieved through knowledge and books,” Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA commented on the achievement.

This year, over 85 leading cultural figures are taking part at the SIBF, that includes Nobel Prize winner Abdulrazak Gurnah, Jnanpith Award-winner Amitav Ghosh, The Daily Show host Trevor Noah, Chaos of the Senses author Ahlam Mosteghanemi and The Pursuit of Happyness author Chris Gardner, all of whom are confirmed to appear in person at the fair.

In addition to 355 shows, performances, seminars as well as workshops for children, the fair also has been hosting over 1,000 activities, including 440 cultural sessions.