By Muhammad Sajjad and Sudhashree Dash

Thousands of students from across the UAE gathered at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026) on November 9, immersing themselves in a world of books, literature, creativity and interactive learning.

Held at Expo Centre Sharjah from November 4 to 15, the prestigious literary event is taking place under the theme ‘Made of Stories,’ celebrating the power of storytelling, cultural exchange and the enduring influence of literature.

Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), SIBF 2026 has attracted 3,212 publishers and exhibitors representing 126 countries, showcasing approximately 1.7 million book titles.

The strong participation of school students highlighted the fair’s growing importance in encouraging reading habits, creative expression and intellectual development among younger generations.

Interactive Learning Experiences

A major attraction for young visitors is the newly introduced Future Hands District, an interactive educational zone designed to help students discover potential career opportunities through practical activities and simulations.

The fair also features more than 1,500 cultural, educational and creative activities, offering students opportunities to learn beyond traditional classroom settings.

Some of the key attractions include:

• Interactive workshops: Students can participate in drama performances, STEM activities, puppet shows and digital animation masterclasses.
• Poets’ corner: A creative space where students’ personal stories are transformed into personalised poems by resident writers.
• Author sessions: Literary discussions and interactive sessions featuring internationally recognised authors, including science-fiction writer Nnedi Okorafor, novelist Zoulfa Katouh and prominent Emirati literary personalities.

These activities aim to inspire young minds while introducing students to different forms of storytelling, artistic expression and creative learning.

Oman Pavilion draws attention as guest of honour 

The Sultanate of Oman is the Guest of Honour at the 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair, adding a distinctive cultural dimension to this year’s event.

Featuring a 50-member delegation of writers, poets and performers, the Oman pavilion showcases the country’s literary heritage, traditional arts and cultural identity.

Visitors can experience live poetry recitals, traditional crafts and dedicated workshops designed especially for young audiences.

The pavilion also provides an opportunity for students to explore Oman’s rich literary traditions and discover the cultural connections shared across the region.

Festival attracts mystery, crime fiction enthusiasts

Beyond its educational attractions, SIBF 2026 is also drawing attention from readers interested in mystery, suspense and crime fiction.

The fifth edition of the Thriller Festival, scheduled from November 7 to 10, features international mystery and crime writers, offering masterclasses and opportunities for literary enthusiasts to engage with established authors.

The festival provides an additional platform for older students and genre enthusiasts to explore contemporary storytelling and the craft of suspense writing.

Sharjah strengthens position as a global literary hub

Alongside public exhibitions and cultural activities, the Sharjah International Book Fair hosts major industry gatherings, including the Sharjah International Library Conference.

These initiatives bring together publishers, authors, librarians and literary professionals from different parts of the world, strengthening international cooperation in publishing, education and cultural development.

With thousands of students participating in educational activities and millions of books on display, SIBF 2026 continues to highlight the importance of reading, creativity and knowledge-sharing.

The fair’s diverse programme reinforces Sharjah’s reputation as an international centre for literature, education and cultural exchange.

The 12th Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial will open on October 7 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, bringing together 272 Arab and international artists and featuring 681 artworks across a programme of 93 events.

Running through November 15, the Biennial will transform venues across Sharjah into spaces dedicated to Arabic calligraphy, contemporary art and cultural dialogue. Locations include Calligraphy Square, Sharjah Art Museum, House of Wisdom, University of the Arts Sharjah and 1971 – Design Space.

The programme was announced by Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Directorate of Cultural Affairs at Sharjah’s Department of Culture and Director of the Biennial, during a press conference attended by Abdullah Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah’s Department of Culture, participating artists and media representatives.

(Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Directorate of Cultural Affairs at Sharjah’s Department of Culture and Director of the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, speaks during the press conference announcing the 12th Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial. Photos by Muhammad Sajjad)

Balance takes centre stage

Held under the theme Balance, the 12th edition explores one of the fundamental principles of Arabic calligraphy: harmony between proportion, precision, letters and space.

Al Qaseer said the Biennial’s continued development has helped strengthen the international presence of Arabic calligraphy, while creating new opportunities for artists to connect the traditional art form with contemporary artistic practices.

The Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial was established in 2004 under the patronage and support of the Ruler of Sharjah and has since developed into an international platform for calligraphers, artists and researchers. Sharjah’s Department of Culture says the 12th edition will feature local, Arab and international participation.

26 exhibitions, 61 workshops

The Biennial programme includes 26 exhibitions and 61 art workshops, alongside lectures, seminars and visual presentations.

The participating artists represent countries across the Arab world, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Bahrain, Oman, Libya, Yemen and Tunisia. International participation includes artists from Italy, Sweden, China, Canada, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Germany, Turkey, Indonesia and other countries.

The 681 works span traditional calligraphy, modern and contemporary lettering, installations, murals and Islamic ornamentation.

Major exhibitions include Hilya Sharifa, Balance and Pioneers at Sharjah Art Museum. The museum will also host photography exhibitions exploring the relationship between the Arabic letter, visual culture and photography.

At House of Wisdom, Bymizan: From the Dot to the Meaning will examine the journey of the Arabic letter from its foundational dot to its completed visual and semantic form.

Other exhibitions will be presented at Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation, Emirates Fine Arts Society, 1971 – Design Space and University of the Arts Sharjah.

International seminar on Arabic calligraphy

House of Wisdom will also host an international seminar titled Arabic Calligraphy Between Authenticity and Global Pioneering. The programme will bring together researchers, academics and artists to discuss the evolution of Arabic calligraphy and its place within contemporary global art.

The Biennial is expected to welcome around 100 guests, including media professionals, lecturers, calligraphers and workshop facilitators.

Three calligraphers to be honoured

The 12th edition will honour three prominent figures in Arabic calligraphy: Khalifa Elshimy of Egypt, Belaid Hamidi of Morocco and Ali Al Hammadi of the UAE. The three artists were previously announced among the honourees for the 2026 edition.

The Biennial will also present awards for outstanding works in its General Exhibition, including the Grand Prize, awards for traditional calligraphy, modern and contemporary calligraphic arts, and a special jury award for an Emirati calligrapher.

The General Exhibition itself reflects the Biennial’s focus on both heritage and innovation, bringing together traditional approaches alongside modern lettering and installation-based works.

With its international participation and extensive exhibition and educational programme, the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial 2026 aims to reaffirm Arabic calligraphy as a living art form—rooted in heritage while continuing to evolve within the global contemporary art scene.

Filling up in the UAE is about to get more expensive, with petrol and diesel prices rising across all categories from October 1.

UAE motorists are set to feel another pinch at the pump this month after the UAE Fuel Price Committee announced higher petrol and diesel rates for October 2026.

The increase means drivers will pay more per litre across every petrol category, while diesel prices have also moved higher.

Fuel prices for October

The new rates will take effect from Thursday, October 1. Here’s what motorists will pay:

Super 98: Dh4.40 per litre
Special 95: Dh4.28 per litre
E-Plus 91: Dh4.21 per litre
Diesel: Dh4.80 per litre

That means Super 98 rises by 60 fils per litre, while Special 95 and E-Plus 91 increase by 59 and 60 fils respectively. Diesel is up by 50 fils per litre.

How much more will a full tank cost?

For motorists, the increase could quickly add up over the course of a month.

For example, filling a 50-litre tank with Super 98 will cost Dh220 in October, compared with Dh190 in September, a difference of Dh30 per fill-up.

A 50-litre tank of Special 95 will cost Dh214, compared with Dh184.50 previously.

For E-Plus 91, the same tank will cost Dh210.50, up from Dh180.50.

Diesel drivers filling 50 litres will pay Dh240, compared with Dh215 in September.

Why are fuel prices changing?

The UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews retail fuel rates at the end of each month, with prices linked to movements in global energy markets.

UAE fuel prices have experienced notable fluctuations this year. Rates fell in July after several consecutive monthly increases, before moving higher again in August and September.

The latest increase comes amid continued volatility in global and regional energy markets.

What does this increase mean for household budgets?

For people who drive every day, higher fuel prices can have an effect beyond the cost of a single trip to the petrol station.

Commuters, families and businesses that rely heavily on road travel may see their monthly transport expenses rise, particularly if they fill up frequently.

Even a relatively small increase per litre can become more noticeable when multiplied across several refuelling trips over the month.