The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) witnessed an electrifying evening as Hollywood icon Will Smith graced the event, captivating audiences with his insights on storytelling and personal growth. The 57-year-old actor, dressed in a crisp white shirt and radiating his trademark charm, engaged in a heartfelt conversation with Emirati entrepreneur Anas Bukhash, leaving the crowd inspired and reflective. Smith’s appearance was met with enthusiastic cheers, with children perched on shoulders and attendees standing on seats to catch a glimpse of the star. A montage of his iconic film moments set the stage for his entrance, building anticipation for the evening’s dialogue. Smith, who authored the bestselling memoir ‘Will’ in 2021, described the writing process as a transformative experience that deepened his humility and self-awareness. ‘I encourage everyone to write your story,’ he urged. ‘It’s an enlightening process to articulate your experiences.’ He emphasized the universal power of storytelling, noting that narratives transcend cultural and racial boundaries. ‘There are universally relatable ideas that connect us all,’ he said. ‘My gift is identifying those elements that don’t require language to resonate.’ Smith expressed his excitement about the Middle East’s untapped storytelling potential, describing the region as a treasure trove of narratives spanning thousands of years. ‘I’m thrilled to collaborate with creatives here, uncover these stories, and bring them to the world,’ he shared. Reflecting on his personal journey, Smith spoke candidly about the pitfalls of social media and the importance of self-esteem. ‘Success in the material world doesn’t equate to happiness,’ he observed. ‘True fulfillment comes from knowing your work and gifts benefit others.’ He advised the audience to disconnect from digital distractions and embrace solitude for mental clarity. Smith also revealed his ongoing quest to reclaim his self-esteem from external validation, a process he described as a quiet but profound transformation. The event concluded with resounding applause, as attendees left with a renewed appreciation for storytelling and self-discovery.
UAE: Will Smith excited to dig into ‘thousands of years of stories in Middle East’
