The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) witnessed an electrifying atmosphere as fans eagerly gathered to catch a glimpse of Hollywood icon Will Smith. The 57-year-old Academy Award-winning actor took the stage as a guest speaker to delve into the transformative power of storytelling. Accompanied by entrepreneur and podcast host Anas Bukhash, Smith engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue that captivated the audience. Despite the rush hour, dedicated fans like Alicia, an Argentinian expat and restaurant owner, drove over an hour from Jumeirah to attend the event. “I’m a huge fan of Will Smith and Anas Bukhash,” she shared. “I rushed here after a meeting just to see him.” Known for his iconic roles in films like ‘Bad Boys,’ ‘Men in Black,’ and ‘Independence Day,’ Smith’s presence added star power to the fair’s final weekend. Organizers ensured a seamless experience with enhanced security, wristband distribution, and designated seating areas for Gold, Silver, Bronze, and VIP attendees. The 44th edition of SIBF, running until November 16, also featured luminaries like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Carlo Rovelli, and Paul Lynch, making it a cultural highlight of the year.
‘Really want to see Will Smith’: Fans brave rush hour to listen to Hollywood star at SIBF
