Bestselling authors and intellectuals, as well as Bollywood stars and Arab singers, will speak at this year's Sharjah International Book Fair, which began on Wednesday at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Top keynote speakers this year include revered Iraqi singer Kadim Al Sahir, Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor, bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell and Algerian poet, novelist and media personality Ahlam Mosteghanemi.

Another star attraction this year is Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef, whose interview with UK journalist Piers Morgan about the Israel-Gaza war recently went viral. Youssef will come to the book fair for an in-conversation series billed as a “public dialogue".

From left, Iraqi singer Kadim Al Sahir, Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan and Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef.

Running until next Saturday, more than 120 speakers will feature in a range of sessions, from workshops to keynote addresses. This is on top of the more than 2,000 publishers setting up stands within the site to sell their latest titles.

Entry to the Sharjah International Book Fair is free of charge. More information is available at www.sibf.com