The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has introduced the first-ever flexible volunteering initiative at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025), supporting the UAE’s Year of Community 2025 commitment to encourage civic participation and volunteer work.
For the first time, this book fair welcomes everyone aged 15 and above to join as volunteers. Participants can choose to contribute for only one hour or a single day, making it easier for everyone to get involved, including busy students.
Students at schools and universities can use this opportunity to complete their required volunteering hours for graduation. Volunteers help with registration, greeting visitors, conducting surveys, supporting IT, finance, logistics, and assisting international guests at hotels and airports.
Volunteer hours are officially recorded via the Sharjah Volunteer Centre platform. After completing their service, volunteers receive a participation certificate.
Badr Mohammed Saab, Director of Government Communications at SBA, explained that this initiative furthers the UAE’s goal to make volunteerism and social responsibility essential national values. He emphasized that all segments of society, especially youth and those interested in culture, now have a practical pathway to take part in major events in Sharjah.
The flexible volunteering model allows individuals, particularly students, to contribute without interrupting daily life, while helping develop new skills and gaining experience in a positive and creative environment.
This year’s fair saw over 1,000 volunteer applications, with 500 accepted. These volunteers will support SIBF 2025 which features 2,350 publishers from 118 countries, 250 authors and intellectuals from 66 countries, and more than 1,200 events.
