The Ruler has declared that a new pedestrian tunnel will be constructed, and the Sharjah International Book Fair is soon to take place.
Sharjah is engaged in two activities: construction and reading.
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On his Direct Line programme, the Ruler, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, has announced a new underground pedestrian tunnel and has given details about the Sharjah book fair 2026. If you intend to go there, here is a simple summary.
A Tunnel for Pedestrians
The tunnel will connect the Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal Mosque with Cultural Square, and the Ruler stated that the work has already started. Its purpose is to provide pedestrians with a safe path between the two sites.
The tunnel will also protect the flowers and plants and will allow visitors to take photographs without disturbing the traffic or the landscaping. He furthermore mentioned that since the square houses the Holy Quran monument it might also be referred to as “Quran Square” or “Book Square”, a name which suits a city preparing for the Sharjah book fair 2026.
The 45th Book Fair
The Expo Centre Sharjah will host the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair from 4 November with the theme “Made of Stories”.
In 2026 the Sharjah book fair will also feature the second part of the Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopaedia, making the total number of volumes presented 130 out of the 500 that were planned. This four-year project includes about 1,300 researchers, and the first part consisting of 46 volumes was finished last year.
History on the Shelves
People who are interested in history have a lot to look forward to.
The Ruler mentioned that there will be a 60-volume collection on Portuguese history in the Indian Ocean, available in Arabic and English, together with a 61st volume which will deal with difficult terms and identify the kings and ministers in question.
He stated that it took a year to verify the documents. This serves as a reminder that the Sharjah Book Fair 2026 is based on a continuous publishing campaign throughout the year.
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If you’re driving there, there’s another tunnel available.
Do not confuse this with another tunnel.
The first stage of the Al Taawun Tunnel, which is a 500-metre road tunnel with three lanes in each direction, has been completed by Sharjah. It is scheduled to open in November 2026, prior to the book fair, and will enhance access to the Expo Centre Sharjah.
It is reported that waiting times could be reduced by as much as 85 per cent, with the full completion of the tunnel being due in February 2027. Remember this when you are planning your visit to the 2026 Sharjah book fair.
Next Year Brings a New Home
This is also the final edition to be held at the fair’s present venue, with the 46th edition in November 2027 being scheduled at the new Sharjah Exhibitions and Conventions Centre costing Dh500 million. Therefore, the Sharjah Book Fair 2026 represents a significant point for regular attendees.
The Bottom Line
The route to Cultural Square will be safer, thanks to the new road tunnel, which should make driving easier, and the Sharjah Book Fair 2026 starts on 4 November. It’s a pretty good few weeks for Sharjah.
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