The first day of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2026 was marked by a familiar sight: visitors moving between book aisles, stopping at stands, flipping through pages, and deciding which publications to put in their bags. For some, this is an annual ritual, while for others, it is a first encounter with a world of stories and ideas.
Among the early guests were schoolchildren who arrived immediately after classes, families browsing the exhibition together, and regular attendees wishing to explore the exposition before the mass influx of people began. Some came with specific titles in mind, while others happily wandered, discovering books of various genres and languages.
Paravathi Shashikumar, Executive Director of Alpha Book Shop, based in Sharjah, noted the special appeal of the fair's early hours. As a long-time participant, she reported that on the first day, many visitors come who prefer not to rush.
"On the first day, we usually see early visitors who come to avoid the traffic jams and crowds that gather later. They like to take their time, browse the stands, and study the books at their own pace," she told Khaleej Times on Wednesday.
This 28-year-old bookstore, participating in the fair for many years, expects a good number of visitors this season. The shop offers a 20 percent discount on all books and has presented editions from major publishers, including Scholastic and Penguin, as well as international publications and bestsellers.
Shashikumar also believes that the reading culture in the region has grounds to remain resilient despite the growing presence of digital devices and artificial intelligence. She added: "I don't think reading is declining because of AI and increased device usage, at least in this part of the world. Considering the initiatives taken by the government and schools, including school book fairs and reading programs, there is still reason for hope."
For younger visitors, the appeal of the fair was often more specific. Karam Ayad, a 10th-grade student and Syrian expatriate, came right after school, expecting fewer visitors on opening day. His shopping list included manga and anime books, as well as a gift for a friend. Ayad, who is a regular visitor and lives nearby, noted that the annual exhibition remains an event he looks forward to, although he feels reading habits are changing.
He shared his opinion: "The fair is really cool. I come here every year because I live nearby. Unfortunately, I feel that most people don't read as much as they used to."
Meanwhile, for 10-year-old Rossel, the fair was a completely new experience. Accompanied by her parents and sister after school, she made her first purchase—an Arabic edition of the book 'Heidi'. She said: "It's my first time at a book fair, and I am very happy to be here. My parents brought me after school, and my sister is here too. I bought an Arabic book called Heidi."
The excitement of searching for a book for home was reflected in the choices of visitors exploring literature beyond children's works. Zuhair Qpaqipr, who works with a book distributor at the fair, has also been participating in SIBF for almost eight years. He reported: "Our books include children's literature and university books on artificial intelligence, computer science, and IELTS preparation, reflecting the diversity of subjects available under one roof."
As the day progressed, the exhibition brought together readers of different generations: from children making their first purchases to booksellers and exhibitors returning to an event they have observed for several decades.
Bashir Ali from Dar Knooz Eshbelia for Publishing and Distribution, based in Saudi Arabia, stated that his publishing house has participated since the earliest days of the fair. Founded in 1988, the company specializes in Islamic books but has gradually expanded its catalog into many other areas. Its assortment includes editions on medicine, business, entrepreneurship, family, and education, as well as books on learning Arabic and Islamic studies. This year, the publisher also added new works on communications and other topics.
For Ali, the appeal of the fair lies not only in the opportunity to present books but also in observing its expansion over the years. He noted: "We are very happy to be part of the book fair. It is wonderful to see how it has continued to expand over the years, and we see this growth everywhere we go."
In addition to the book stalls, the fairgrounds were filled with activity in the evening: interactive events, live performances, and dancing artists along the aisles entertained visitors. Their colorful performances added a festive atmosphere, attracting curious onlookers, families, and children who stopped to watch, take photos, and join the fun.
