Hollywood star Will Smith will be a guest speaker at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 In UAE, expect his trademark wit and hard-earned lessons at the event. The 44th edition of SIBF will begin on November 5 to 16 at the Expo Centre Sharjah, and according to the organizers Smith is scheduled to take the main stage on November 14 at 8pm.

SIBF has grown into one of the region’s most distinguished cultural gatherings, bringing thousands of publishers and hundreds of events that span literature, film, music and education. The Sharjah Book Authority named this year’s theme to be “Between You and a Book,” bridging the gap between creators and readers from across the world.

Will Smith —Instagram

Smith’s session promises to be more memoir than lecture: press previews suggest he will reflect on a three-decade career that spans music, cinema, entrepreneurship and recent writing projects, sharing candid stories about creativity, resilience and reinvention. Fans can expect a mix of humor, personal anecdotes and practical advice for anyone building a creative life.

The fair promises to be an eventful experience, as over 1200 activities will be conducted, author signings, children’s programming and specialist panels that aim to create cross-cultural conversations. Thanks to the organizers transportation and logistics that will handle the expected rush of visitors have been put in place.

Will Smith — Instagram

Also, this year’s program will host a remarkable roster of global literary figures, including Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Italian physicist and bestselling writer Carlo Rovelli, Irish novelist and Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch, and Indian content creator Prajakta Koli. Prominent Arab and Emirati names such as poet and filmmaker Nujoom Al Ghanem, historian Dr. Hamad bin Seray and renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass will also participate.

Whether you come for a chance to hear an icon speak or to hear the voices of other literary experts and meet new people, Will Smith’s presence adds an artistic moment to a festival that remains, at its heart, a celebration of books and the stories that shape us. Tickets and session details are available via the Sharjah Book Fair website and social channels, expect demand and limited seating for Smith’s appearance.

also read: Every Major Concert Coming to the UAE in 2025: Dates, Venues, and Ticket Details

Progressive metal icons Dream Theater are heading back to Dubai and they’re making a grand return. The legendary band will perform live at the Coca-Cola Arena on January 27, 2026, as part of their long-awaited 40th Anniversary Tour, offering fans an immersive night of technical brilliance.

Photo credit: Sweden rock

Brought to Dubai by All Things Live Middle East, the concert won’t be your typical rock show. This time, fans can expect something truly different, a three-hour seated performance that takes them on a musical journey through Dream Theater’s 40-year history. Every moment on stage will showcase the skill and energy that have cemented Dream Theater place as masters of progressive metal.

Photo Credit: Portal ABC do ABC

The tour marks the return of the full band. LaBrie, Petrucci, Myung, Rudess, and Portnoy, back on drums after 15 years away. For longtime fans, Portnoy’s return makes this tour even more special. Speaking about the milestone tour, guitarist John Petrucci shared, “We’re celebrating our 40th anniversary, our new album ‘Parasomnia,’ and Mike’s return. It’s going to be an epic night, we can’t wait to play for our fans in the Middle East again.”

Photo Credit: Hennepin Arts

Fans can expect a setlist that bridges Dream Theater’s rich past and dynamic present, from classics like Pull Me Under to newer cinematic soundscapes such as Night Terror and the 19-minute composition The Shadow Man Incident from their latest album Parasomnia. Tickets are available via the Coca-Cola Arena website

With 40 years of music that’s pushed and redefined progressive metal, Dream Theater’s Dubai concert is a celebration of legacy, craftsmanship, and the fans who’ve supported the band’s enduring evolution.

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Every August 28, the UAE pauses to celebrate its women — the dreamers, the doers, the leaders. This day is more than a celebration. It’s a reminder of the strength, grace, and drive Emirati women carry every single day. This year carries a different weight, the voices are rising higher, the impact reaching further. 2025 isn’t about women being given a seat at the table anymore, it’s about them building the table, running the room, and inspiring the next generation to do the same.

Since Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation,” launched this day in 2015, it has grown into a symbol of pride and empowerment. It’s about remembering the pioneers who broke barriers, while also spotlighting the young women now entering fields once thought impossible.

Every year, Emirati Women’s Day carries a theme. For 2025, it’s looking like the spotlight will be on innovation, resilience, and leadership. And It’s more about showing how women in the UAE are not just adapting to a changing world but shaping it on their own terms.

What to look Forward to

Celebrations you can actually feel: From cultural shows to exhibitions, expect spaces vibrant with art, music, and stories that put women front and center.

Workplaces stepping up: More companies are expected to roll out mentorship programs and campaigns — not just as PR, but to genuinely back Emirati women chasing big goals at work.

Social media engagement: Social media will, as always, light up. But beyond the hashtags, you’ll find women opening up about their real journeys, the wins, the hurdles, and everything in between.

Conclusion

Emirati Women’s Day is not just for women. It’s for everyone who believes in the power of equality and vision. The UAE has set a bold example for the region and the world, showing what’s possible.

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