In the season of the Sharjah International Book Fair, volunteers follow a unique routine, working from 10 AM to 10 PM for twelve straight days, totaling 144 hours. They commit this time without pay, driven by their passion for volunteering and desire to enrich the cultural experience for visitors.
During this period, their lives change significantly. They forgo family outings, daily home gatherings, and their usual routines of visiting friends and relatives. Even weekends, usually a time for rest, become part of their full-time commitment at the fair.
They shift between organizing events, overseeing sections, guiding crowds, and assisting guests.
Volunteers shared with Khaleej Times that this demanding routine has become their favorite time of year. It offers them a sense of belonging and achievement among millions of books and visitors.
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Complete commitment
For six years running, electrical engineer Noor Al Naqbi has chosen to spend her annual leave at the Sharjah International Book Fair. While others travel or relax, Al Naqbi dedicates herself to the fair from morning till night, calling it a place that gives her “a deeper meaning to life.”
“Every year, I use my annual leave from my job as an electrical engineer to take part in this event, which has become a part of my life,” she explains.
Al Naqbi volunteers with the support and supervision team, working quietly behind the scenes to ensure smooth operations at the fair.
“We are the team behind the scenes, working silently but with great enthusiasm to ensure the smooth running of events and a seamless experience for visitors, exhibitors, and special guests,” said Al Naqbi.
This year, Greece was the guest of honor at SIBF. Al Naqbi recalled that a special guest from the Greek delegation told her, “I wish my country would pay as much attention as the UAE does to encouraging its citizens to engage in volunteer work. Your love for your country is evident in everything you do. You volunteer your time and effort without expecting anything in return, but solely for the sake of your nation.”
Despite the long hours, Al Naqbi finds the experience invigorating, “Every day teaches me something new. Here, I feel I am giving my community the best I can.”
“Balancing my job and volunteer responsibilities might seem tiring to some, but for me, it’s a balance that gives my life deeper meaning,” she added.
From visitor to volunteer
At 52, Israa Iskandar proves that age is no barrier to volunteering. This Sharjah-based mother has been a regular visitor to the book fair for over a decade, often attending with her daughters.
Three years ago, Israa joined the volunteer team and has been participating every morning from November 5th to 16th, organizing and managing various aspects of the fair.
She mentioned that balancing household duties with volunteering has become part of her annual routine, “I’m grateful to manage both. Volunteering fills my heart, and I feel proud every year.”
Israa Iskandar
Israa has been volunteering at the Sharjah Volunteer Center since 2021, contributing to numerous community initiatives.
How Sharjah nurtures its volunteers
“This year, the Sharjah Book Authority launched a ‘Flexible Volunteering’ initiative for those who wish to volunteer but can’t commit to the full 12-day program. Volunteers can now contribute for as little as one hour, receive a certificate, and support in specific areas like book signings, lectures, surveys, and crowd management,” Bader Saab, Director of Government Communications at the Sharjah Book Authority, told Khaleej Times.
He noted that the fair’s success relies on a well-structured volunteer system, prepared about three months before its start.
He explained that a dedicated volunteer team supports all cultural activities, making the book fair the largest of its kind. This initiative provides young volunteers with opportunities to join the workforce, develop new skills, and build valuable relationships. The minimum age for volunteering was reduced from 18 to 15 to accommodate students needing volunteer hours for graduation.
While over 1,000 volunteers have registered, about 250 volunteers are engaged daily throughout the fair. Others participate flexibly based on daily needs.
Bader added that volunteers are not assigned tasks beyond their capabilities but are instead paired with staff. Experienced volunteers are necessary to learn essential skills.
He said some volunteers arrive shy or hesitant, so the team begins with simple tasks, such as surveys, gradually building their confidence until many are comfortable engaging with visitors, explaining programs, or representing the Expo at information desks.
Training begins three months before the fair with workshops, orientation sessions, and detailed task briefings. Volunteers also take field trips to the Expo Centre Sharjah to familiarize themselves with the entrances, exits, pavilions, and emergency procedures. As any visitor who approaches a volunteer considers them an official representative of the fair, familiarity with these areas is essential.
