Focal Point 2025 Returns This Weekend With Sharjah’s Biggest Art Book Fair

Focal Point 2025, the much-anticipated eighth edition of Sharjah Art Foundation’s annual art book fair, kicks off this weekend from 12 to 14 December 2025 at the historic Bait Obaid Al Shamsi in Arts Square, Sharjah.

The three-day event, renowned for celebrating independent publishing and contemporary print culture, has once again brought together a vibrant mix of artists, publishers, print studios, designers and cultural practitioners from across the globe. 

This year’s edition of Focal Point offers visitors a rich programme that highlights printed works and publications from diverse cultural ecosystems, including dedicated sections showcasing the work of UAE-based artists alongside international contributors. The fair emphasises experimentation with the printed medium and invites audiences to explore unique artist books, zines, independent press titles and other creative printed matter. 

In addition to the extensive display of publications, Focal Point 2025 features a range of interactive experiences designed to engage both seasoned art enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Attendees can participate in speciality workshops focused on publishing and alternative printing techniques, fostering hands-on creativity and skill building. The programme also includes thought-provoking talks, book launches and opportunities to meet contributors and makers throughout the weekend.

A standout highlight of the fair will be the launch of the seventh volume of “Corniche,” an annual comic anthology that brings together storytelling and visual narratives from talented artists locally and abroad. This release is set to draw considerable interest from collectors and fans of contemporary comics and illustration. 

Complementing the literary and visual arts on display, the event incorporates immersive creative activities, such as a collaborative Reading Room and a DIY postcard-making station inspired by the architecture of Bait Obaid Al Shamsi. These interactive features create welcoming spaces for visitors to engage directly with creative practice and the local cultural scene. 

Focal Point 2025 continues to reinforce Sharjah’s role as a cultural hub in the UAE and the wider region, connecting artists, creators and audiences through printed media and dialogue. With free entry and inclusive programming, the fair remains one of the most accessible and engaging art events on the UAE’s winter cultural calendar.

For those planning to attend, the fair’s hours run daily through the weekend, offering a dynamic opportunity to discover innovative publishing, creative collaborations and artistic exchanges in the heart of Sharjah’s historic Arts Square.