The 10-day event which started in 1982 under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, is a leading literary event that profiles the written work throughout the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The book fair is considered to be the 3rd largest fair in the world and saw 2.4 million visitors attend in 2021. Those that attend can expect to discover new titles that are hard to find. The event also features a lineup of book signings, workshops and panel discussions. It has been reported that UK and European publishers who attended past Sharjah International Book Fairs, said the fair had brought in new business opportunities for them.