Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is set to undergo a historic transformation with its relocation to a newly commissioned Dh500-million mega exhibition centre in 2027. This ambitious project, which includes a Dh146 million investment in a prime land plot, aims to elevate Sharjah’s status as a global cultural capital by providing a state-of-the-art permanent home for one of the world’s largest book fairs. Strategically positioned at the crossroads of Emirates Road, Al Dhaid Road, and Khorfakkan Road, the new venue is designed to solve long-standing traffic bottlenecks at the current Al Taawun location, offering seamless accessibility for visitors arriving from across the UAE and beyond.
The new facility is not merely a replacement for the current Expo Centre, but an expansion of the emirate’s event infrastructure; while the existing Expo Centre will continue to host commercial trade shows, the new mega-centre will serve as a specialized cultural hub. Construction is slated for completion within 22 to 24 months, aiming for a grand debut at the 46th edition of the SIBF in November 2027. Beyond its immediate road connectivity, the site is planned to integrate with future Etihad Rail infrastructure, ensuring that the fair remains a globally accessible destination for publishers and bibliophiles for decades to come.
