At this year’s Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), many UAE residents are spending significant amounts on books, with some budgets reaching up to Dh6,000. Dr. Abdullah Al Hammadi, an Emirati specialist in Islamic jurisprudence, is among those expanding his personal library at the fair. With a budget of Dh6,000, Dr. Abdullah has already spent Dh4,500 on Islamic literature and self-guidance books, noting a slight increase in prices this year. “These prices still make it easier to add to my collection, but I have noticed an increase compared to past exhibitions,” he observed, underlining the importance of maintaining a diverse range of titles despite rising costs.
Now in its 43rd year, the SIBF is held at the Sharjah Expo Centre and runs until November 17. The event, inaugurated by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, features over 2,500 publishers from 112 countries and aims to foster a love for Arabic and international literature.
One Emirati family, Khamis Salem and Umm Salem from Fujairah, has made visiting the fair an annual tradition. Spending nearly Dh2,000 on educational books and children’s literature, they prefer attending on weekend mornings to avoid crowds. “We enjoy starting our day here, then having lunch while avoiding the crowds,” shared Umm Salem, who chose books spontaneously this year rather than following a list. “I really liked most of the books, but I would like to see more options,” she added.
Afra, Zahra, and Munira, fellow Emiratis and avid readers, arrived prepared with lists and within two hours had already spent around Dh1,000. They enjoy exploring different genres, from novels to self-development books, embracing the joy of discovering hidden gems. “We love the thrill of finding hidden gems among the shelves,” Afra expressed, their canvas bags filled with new treasures.
As visitors browse through countless titles, the fair’s vibrant atmosphere brings together readers united by a shared passion for books—whether building personal collections or finding special gifts.
