A myriad of renowned Arab cultural personalities will be participating at the forthcoming Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), which takes place from November 1-11 at Expo Centre Sharjah. Organised by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the 36th edition of the annual event will host an elite group of authors, artists, actors, intellectuals, journalists and poets, all of whom will be taking part in the fair’s extensive programme of cultural activities.

Among the guests at the fair will be Syrian artist Ghassan Massoud, drama professor at the Higher Institute for Dramatic Arts in Damascus. Massoud’s outstanding performances in several historical series and films led Hollywood to describe him as ‘one of the Arab world’s finest actors.’ His impressive acting resume includes roles in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and in the Ridley Scott films ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ and ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings.’ He was also featured in the Arabic series ‘Onshodat Al Matar’ (The Chant of Rain) and the Khaliji Series ‘Tawq’ (Longing).

SIBF 2017 will play host to Algerian novelist Waciny Laredj, professor at the University of Algiers and the University of Paris III-New Sorbonne. A highly regarded novelist in the Arab world because of his on-going quest to explore Algerian heritage, Laredj’s bibliography includes ‘Tawq Al yasameen’ (Necklace of Jasmine), ‘Mamlakat Al Farashaat’ (Butterfly Kingdom), ‘Ontha Al Sarab’ (Phantom Girl), ‘Haresat Al Dhilal’ (The Guardian of Shadows), ‘Asabea Loletta’ (Lolita’s Fingers) and ‘Al Bait Al Andalusi.’

Author of the ‘Al Ilyatha Al Filistiniah’ (The Palestinian Iliad), poet and novelist Ibrahim Nasrallah from Jordan will be taking part at SIBF 2017 to meet literature lovers and to reveal his passion for the vast cultural milieu of Palestine. Nasrallah’s literary achievements include the novels ‘Zaman Al Khoyool Al Baidhaa’ (Time of White Horses), ‘Qanadeel Malek Al Jaleel’ (The Lanterns of the King of Galilee), ‘Tefl Al Memhah’ (Eraser Child) and ‘Araas Amenah’ (Safe Weddings). He is also the author of a number of poetry collections, including Shorofaat Al Khareef’ (Verandahs of Autumn), and ‘Maraya Al Malaekah’ (Mirrors of Angels).

Saudi Arabian writer Abdo Khal, winner of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction 2010 (also known as the Arabic Booker) for his novel ‘Termee Bishar’ (Spewing Sparks as Big as Castles) will also be taking part in a number of cultural activities at the fair. Known for exploring hidden worlds in his novels, Khal will be using his appearance to take audiences behind the scenes of his works that include ‘Al Ayyam La Tokhabbe Ahadan’ (Days Do not Hide Anyone), ‘Al Tteen’ (The Mud) and ‘Nobah’ (Barking).  

Lebanese poet, songstress and theatre performer Jahida Wehbe has achieved recognition from her array of dramatic talents, including possessing a voice that is appreciated for its Sufi mystical quality. Throughout her career, Wehbe has performed a variety of musical styles, but has especially excelled in singing poems by Arab and international poets, such as Abu Firas Al Hamdani, Al Hallaj, Jalal ad-Din Rumi, Gibran Khalil Gibran, Rabindranath Tagore and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

SIBF 2017 will also host novelist Jamal Naji from Jordan, author of ‘Endama Tasheekh Al Thiaab’ (When Wolves grow Old). Starting his literary career in the 1970s, Naji’s first novel ‘Al Tareeq Ila Balharith’ (The Road to Balharith) addresses the story of teachers who travelled abroad to try and make a living. It was considered by literary critics as the foundation of the modern Jordanian novel. Naji also wrote ‘Ghareeb Al Nahr’ (The Strahger of the River), ‘Mawsim Al Houriyyat’ (The Season of Nymphs) and ‘Al Hayat ala Themmat Al Mawt’ (Life on the Edge of Death). 

Other notable authors who will be participating in this year’s edition of SIBF 2017 include Saif Al Rahbi, Dr. Taleb Al Rifai, Youssef Rakha, Ahmed Muorad, Saud Al Sanousi, Dr. Mohammed Hassan Alwan, Thuraya Al Osaili, Yassin Adnan, Najwa bin Shatwan, Ali Ghadeer, Sad Mohammed Raheem, Tayseer Khalaf, Abdul Kareem Jowaiti, Mohammed Abdulnabi, Sinan Antoin, Jamal Naji, Kamal Al Riahi, Dr. Abdullah Al Washmi, Aisha Al Basri, Ali Al Sitrawi, Dr. Najm Abdullah Kadhem, Dr. Mohammed Abu Al Fadl Badran, Hassan Al Matroushi, Dr. Ahmed Youssef, Dr. Ahmed Al Khamisi, Dr. Ahmed Al Fakih, Dr. Mohammed Abdul Muttalib, Dr. Saleh Bileid, Lena Khouri, Ibrahim Jaber, Samah Edrees, Najm Wali and Dr. Ali Al Namlah.