Autumn is when Sharjah’s cultural calendar fills up: a dhow race, an investment forum, a film platform and the Book Fair all fall within a few weeks. This calendar lists the events whose dates we could confirm from official or news-agency sources as of 2 October 2026. Where a recurring event has no announced dates, we say “check the official site” rather than guess, and we update the page as announcements arrive.
Upcoming (confirmed)
| Dates | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 7 to 18 October 2026 | Sir Bu Nair Festival (dhow race on 10 October) | Al Heera Beach |
| 14 to 15 October 2026 | Sharjah Investment Forum (9th edition) | Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre |
| 30 October to 8 November 2026 | Sharjah Film Platform 9 | Mirage City Cinema, Al Mureijah Square and other venues |
| 1 to 3 November 2026 | Sharjah Publishers Conference | Check SIBF |
| 4 to 15 November 2026 | 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (Oman Guest of Honour) | Expo Centre Sharjah |
| From 7 October 2026 (runs for two months; closing date not stated in our official publications) | 12th Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, theme “Balance” | Check the organiser for venues |
| 21 January to 13 June 2027 (opening week 21 to 24 January) | Sharjah Biennial 17 | Sharjah City, Al Dhaid, Khorfakkan, Kalba and other locations |
See the autumn arts and culture guide for Film Platform and Calligraphy Biennial details.
Recurring events: dates not yet confirmed in our sources
| Event | Latest confirmed edition | Next dates |
|---|---|---|
| Sharjah Light Festival | 15th edition, 3 to 15 February 2026 | Check the official site |
| Sharjah Heritage Days | 23rd edition, 4 to 15 February 2026 | Check the official site |
| Sharjah Ramadan Festival | 36th edition, 15 February to 25 March 2026 | Depends on Ramadan; check SCCI |
| ACRES real estate exhibition | 21 to 24 January 2026 | Check the official site |
| Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival | Scheduled 22 April to 3 May 2026, then postponed | No new dates in our sources; check the Sharjah Book Authority |
| Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival | 19 November 2025 to 31 January 2026 | Check the Sharjah Department of Culture |
National Day and public holidays
UAE National Day falls on 2 December. We have not confirmed a Sharjah National Day programme yet; check Sharjah24 and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) closer to the date. Public holiday dates are announced by the authorities.
How to use this calendar
- Note the confirmed dates above and verify them on the official site a week before you go.
- Check opening hours and ticket rules, which are set by organisers.
- Plan for traffic and parking on big days such as the dhow race and Book Fair weekends.
- Look for family programmes if you visit with children; see Things to do in Sharjah.
If you live or invest in Sharjah
Events shape the emirate’s cultural identity, and many residents pick a neighbourhood by what is nearby. See Best areas to live in Sharjah and Al Khan, near Expo Centre Sharjah.
Before you rely on this: Dates are as published on 2 October 2026; the Investment Forum (sif.ae) and Book Fair (Sharjah24) dates were rechecked on 6 October 2026; the Calligraphy Biennial’s closing date was not stated in our official publications. Event organisers can change dates.
Frequently asked questions
What events are on in Sharjah in October 2026?
The Sir Bu Nair Festival (7 to 18 October) and the Sharjah Investment Forum (14 to 15 October), plus the Calligraphy Biennial from 7 October.
When is the Sharjah Book Fair 2026?
4 to 15 November 2026.
When is the Sharjah Light Festival?
It is usually held in the early part of the year; the 2026 edition ran 3 to 15 February. Check for 2027 dates.
Is there an Arabic version of this calendar?
Yes: تقويم فعاليات الشارقة 2026.
Event information checked on the date shown and may change. Always confirm dates, times, tickets and venue details on the official website before you go. General information only. Information checked 2 October 2026.