Sharjah: The Sharjah International Book Fair will begin at the Sharjah Expo Centre on Wednesday, with the inauguration ceremony set to take place at 2 p.m. Book fair authorities have confirmed that all preparations for the event have been completed. The theme for this year's fair is "It Starts with a Book."

Indian poet Rafeeq Ahammed and actress-writer Huma Qureshi will be the chief guests at the event. Mathrubhumi Books will have a prominent presence at the fair this year.

Best-selling books available at the Mathrubhumi Books stall include Athreyakam (R Rajasree), Maranavamsam (PV Shajikumar), Jnaanasnaanam (Subhash Chandran), Deham (Ajay P. Mangat), Visappu Pranayam Unmadam (Mohammed Abbas), Zin (Haritha Savithri), Ente Embassy Kalam (M Mukundan), Blueberries (Jisa Jose), Maranakkoottu (Vinu P./Niyas Kareem), among others.

In addition, six new books will be released at the event. The Writer's Forum, a gathering place for Malayalis at the fair, will also be a key feature this year. Several books will be launched on different days, with events featuring Indian writers and cultural personalities at venues like the Ballroom and Intellectual Hall.

Morocco is the guest country this year, and a total of 2,522 publishers and exhibitors from 112 countries are participating. The fair will also feature a range of art and cultural events. This is the 43rd edition of the fair, which will run until November 17.