Sharjah: The 44th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) will welcome Greece as its Guest of Honour, bringing one of the world’s most influential literary and artistic cultures to the Emirate of Sharjah. From 5th to 16th November, 2025, visitors will experience a cultural programme spanning literature, theatre, music, and cookery, celebrating Greece’s contribution to global culture and learning.
According to Emirates News Agency, the National Pavilion of Greece will cover 200 square metres, inspired by ancient Greek architecture. It will host 58 Greek publishers and cultural institutions, with 28 attending in person, showcasing around 600 titles in both Greek and translated editions. The pavilion will also feature a sculpted olive tree, a symbol of resilience, peace, and wisdom, surrounded by displays and a gathering space.
Another key part of Greece’s Guest of Honour programme will be the exhibition ‘Greek Literature – The Long Journey,’ which traces the evolution of Greek language and literature from ancient times to the present day. This exhibition will highlight the influence of Greek intellectualism on both national identity and world culture.
More than 70 Greek participants, including writers, poets, translators, illustrators, academics, musicians, librarians, and publishing professionals, will contribute to the cultural and professional agenda at SIBF 2025. Among these contributors are ten leading Greek writers, poets, and playwrights. They include Antonios Skiathas, Eugenia Daglas, Eurypidis Garantoudis, Konstantinos Katsoularis, Persa Koumoutsi, Panagiotis Mendis, Danai Siozou, and Anastasia Venetouli, who will lead reading sessions and discussions.
For national participation, Greece has prepared a series of translations of Greek works into Arabic, including anthologies of State Prize-winning poetry and novellas. Visitors can also look forward to Greek performance art, presented through a roaming theatre production curated by Anastasia Georgaki. This piece will weave together poetry, live music, and expressive movement.
Complementing this, a musical-theatrical performance inspired by Greek poetry and crafted by Nikolaos Platanos and Kyriaki Vlachogianni will highlight the fair’s opening day. Attendees will witness a theatrical interpretation of the poetry of Yannis Ritsos. Interactive workshops will also be available, such as The Life and Writing Workshop led by Aimilia Bantouna and Mata Gavroglou, linking ancient communication forms to modern imagination.
Greek cuisine will take centre stage at SIBF’s Cookery Corner, led by Chef Alexandros Sperchos. His culinary sessions will blend authenticity with innovation, highlighting the connection between Greek food and heritage. Greece’s participation extends to professional engagement, including involvement in the 15th Publishers Conference. Greek professionals will join counterparts from over 70 countries in discussions shaping the future of publishing.
Greece will also take part in the Sharjah International Library Conference, focusing on innovation in library sciences and the promotion of reading culture. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, the 44th SIBF will gather 2,350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 countries, featuring over 1,200 activities.