Over 1.35 million visitors have attended the first week of Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2016, with the footfall figures for the seven days since its opening on November 2 breaking all previous records. The 35th edition of the fair is proving to be the most successful yet in Sharjah’s cultural journey, according to organisers.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of Sharjah Book Authority, organisers of the annual SIBF, said: "SIBF’s overwhelming success in attracting such huge audiences each and every day is a testament to the incredible efforts made by Sharjah in the cultural and literary sphere over the past 35 years.'' '' We are delighted to have been able to play a leading role in creating and nurturing a generation of readers and literary fans and to have been a major part of the initiatives led by the UAE which are designed to enhance reading and knowledge at all levels," he added.

SIBF 2016 is hosting 1,417 activities during its 11 days at Expo Centre Sharjah, with popular attractions including its Cultural Activities programme, Cultural Cafe, Cookery Corner and Social Media Cafe. The array of workshops, interactive seminars and entertainment performances taking place at the fair have been instrumental in attracting all segments of visitors from across the UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, resulting in its highest number of attendees up to this point in its schedule. SIBF 2016 concludes on Saturday, November 12.