7 Must-Visit Sessions at the 2025 Sharjah International Book Fair

The 2025 Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is set to once again transform Expo Centre Sharjah into a global hub of ideas, creativity, and storytelling. Bringing together some of the most celebrated voices in world literature, film, and art, this year’s edition promises an unmissable lineup of thought-provoking sessions and conversations.

1. Banu Mushtaq – “Women’s Lives, Identity and Resistance”

Indian writer Banu Mushtaq, winner of the 2025 International Booker Prize for her short-story collection Heart Lamp: Selected Stories, takes centre stage at SIBF. Her session is scheduled 15 November, Forum 1, 8:30–9:30 pm. 
Mushtaq’s stories probe deep into questions of faith, caste, gender, and marginalisation in southern India. Through this session, attendees will explore how her characters navigate identity, resilience and resistance in constrained spaces. 
This is a key session for those interested in translated literature, feminism in fiction and regional voices breaking into global literary conversation.

2. Paul Lynch – “Fiction, Freedom and Fear”

Irish novelist Paul Lynch, winner of the 2023 Booker Prize, will appear on 8 November at Forum 1 from 8:30–9:30 pm. 
In his session, Lynch will discuss how fiction can articulate human experiences in times of crisis — touching on themes such as societal collapse, psychological survival and the role of the writer in reflecting fear and freedom. This is especially relevant for readers drawn to literary fiction that grapples with existential and societal questions.
For anyone keen on strong narrative voices from Ireland and the global Anglophone world, this talk is highly recommended.

3. Dhafer L’Abidine – “From Acting to Writing: Artists Narrate the Story”

Tunisian actor-filmmaker Dhafer L’Abidine will engage audiences on 8 November from 7:00–8:30 pm at the Main Stage, Expo Centre Sharjah, exploring the intersection of performance, authorship and storytelling.
As someone who has moved from screen to storytelling, L’Abidine’s session offers a compelling perspective for creatives working across mediums — from acting and directing to writing and narrative development.
This is a great opportunity for attendees interested not only in literature but in the broader creative arts: how stories move between film, theatre and the page.

4. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – “Culture, Identity & Story”

Prepare for an evocative conversation with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, whose work spans global fiction and cultural commentary. At SIBF 2025, she will examine how narratives shape identity, challenge norms and reflect worldviews on Saturday, November 8, at the Intellectual Hall from 9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Held under the fair’s theme “Between You and a Book”, her session invites readers to see literature not just as entertainment but as a lens into self and society.

5. Prajakta Koli – “Too Good To Be True: Authenticity in Modern Narrative”

Celebrated for blending her digital-creator roots with narrative craft, Prajakta Koli brings her novel Too Good To Be True to life at SIBF 2025. This session is a must for younger audiences and emerging writers who want to understand how modern identity and vulnerability translate into fiction.

Koli will speak at the Intellectual Hall from 9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, November 7. 

6. Samrat Upadhyay & Mira Sethi – “Literature and Social Identity”

In a combined session, Upadhyay and Sethi explore how literature reflects the changing societies of South Asia—through personal stories, regional transformations, and cross-cultural dialogue. This talk appeals to readers and writers interested in narrative depth and cultural resonance.

7. Jennifer Hillier – “Writing the Edge: Thrillers & Suspense”

For fans of heart-pounding fiction, Jennifer Hillier will lead a deep dive into crafting suspenseful narratives at this year’s edition of the Thriller Festival, which runs from November 8 to 11. Hillier’s session is ideal for anyone curious about how tension, pace and character subversion create stories that grip readers from the first page.

Why These Sessions Should Be on Your SIBF 2025 Agenda

Each of these talks highlights a distinct dimension of storytelling: from global fiction and genre mastery to artistic reinvention and regional voice. They showcase how the fair aims to bridge cultures, media and generations under its overarching theme, “Between You and a Book.”

Attendee Tips

• Book early for the sessions with high-profile authors — spaces may be limited.

• Arrive before the start time — some sessions fill up, and early seating provides better Q&A access.

• Bring your copy of the author’s book, where possible — many authors sign items after..

• Explore the fair’s broader schedule — sessions like these often connect with adjacent workshops or panels.