The Thriller Festival: Why Sharjah is Becoming the Crime Fiction Capital of the Middle East

Every November, Sharjah transforms into the Middle East's most compelling destination for crime fiction enthusiasts. The Thriller Festival, now in its fourth edition as part of the prestigious Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), has established the emirate as the region's undisputed capital of crime, mystery, and psychological suspense. This literary phenomenon brings together global masters of the genre, creating a unique cultural bridge between international thriller traditions and emerging Middle Eastern voices.​

A Global Literary Gathering

The 2025 Thriller Festival, running November 8-11 at Expo Centre Sharjah, showcases the event's remarkable international scope. Thirteen bestselling authors, screenwriters, and crime experts from North America, Europe, South Asia, and the Arab world converge to share their expertise in crafting compelling narratives of suspense.​

The lineup reads like a who's who of contemporary crime fiction:​

North American Masters:

• Chris Pavone (USA): Author of "The Doorman" and "Two Nights in Lisbon"

• Jennifer Hillier (Canada): Acclaimed for "Jar of Hearts" and "Things We Do in the Dark"

• Stacy Willingham (USA): Million-copy bestseller "A Flicker in the Dark"

• Matt Witten (USA): Television writer for "Law & Order," "House," and "Pretty Little Liars"

Nordic Noir Excellence:

• Ragnar Jónasson (Iceland): Master of Icelandic crime fiction

• Eva Björg Ægisdóttir (Iceland): Rising star in Nordic noir

Regional Voices:

• S. Hussain Zaidi (India): Chronicler of Mumbai's underworld and author of "Dongri to Dubai"

• Omar Shahid Hamid (Pakistan): Former counterterrorism officer turned novelist

• Mirna Al Mahdi: Representing Arab contributions to the thriller genre

Beyond Books: Multimedia Storytelling

The festival's partnership with Thriller Festival New York elevates it beyond a typical literary event. Sessions explore how literary thrillers transition to television and film, featuring insights from Matt Witten, whose novel "The Necklace" was optioned by Leonardo DiCaprio's production company.​

Panel discussions like "Scene One, Chapter One: Translating Novels to Screen" provide attendees with behind-the-scenes insights into how page-turning novels become binge-worthy television series.​

Cultural Innovation: Murder at the Majlis

This year's festival premieres "Murder at the Majlis," an original interactive murder mystery set in Sharjah. Written by American University of Sharjah alumna Bhoomika Ghaghada and directed by Tarun Shyam, the production showcases homegrown storytelling talent while inviting audiences to solve the mystery live.​

This innovative format demonstrates Sharjah's commitment to fostering local creative talent while maintaining international standards of entertainment.

Educational Excellence

The festival's educational components distinguish it from purely commercial events. Workshops and masterclasses cover every aspect of suspense writing:​

• Character Development: Creating memorable protagonists and antagonists

• Narrative Tension: Building and maintaining suspense throughout lengthy works

• Cultural Context: How geography and culture shape thriller narratives

• Publishing Industry: Understanding global markets for crime fiction

Ahmed Mourad's three-day thriller writing workshop and Isabella Maldonado's "The Mind of a Serial Killer" session provide practical insights from industry professionals.​

Regional Literary Hub Status

Sharjah's emergence as the Middle East's crime fiction capital reflects broader cultural developments in the region. The emirate's investment in literary infrastructure—including world-class venues, international partnerships, and educational programs—creates an ecosystem that attracts global talent while nurturing local voices.​

The Sharjah International Book Fair itself ranks among the world's top three book fairs, providing the perfect platform for the Thriller Festival's ambitious programming. With over 2,500 publishers from 112 countries and more than 2 million annual visitors, SIBF offers unparalleled reach for crime fiction authors and publishers.​

Economic and Cultural Impact

The festival's success generates significant economic benefits for Sharjah's tourism and hospitality sectors. International authors, publishers, and enthusiasts visit specifically for the event, extending stays to explore the emirate's cultural attractions.​

More importantly, the festival positions Sharjah as a serious literary destination, competing with established events in London, New York, and other traditional publishing centers. This cultural capital enhances the emirate's international reputation and attracts future literary investments.

Global Trends and Local Adaptation

The festival reflects growing global appetite for crime fiction while adapting content for Middle Eastern audiences. Sessions like "Writing Thrillers Through a Cultural Lens" explore how regional authors incorporate local customs, history, and social dynamics into internationally appealing narratives.​

This approach helps develop authentic Middle Eastern voices in crime fiction while maintaining the universal appeal that makes thrillers globally popular.

Future Implications

As the Thriller Festival enters its fourth year, its impact extends beyond annual programming. The event has established Sharjah as a year-round destination for crime fiction publishers, agents, and authors seeking to understand and enter Middle Eastern markets.

The festival's success also encourages other regional cities to invest in specialized literary programming, potentially creating a network of genre-specific festivals across the Middle East.

Why This Matters

The Thriller Festival represents more than literary entertainment—it's a cultural bridge connecting global storytelling traditions with emerging regional voices. By hosting world-class authors while nurturing local talent, Sharjah demonstrates how traditional cultural centers can evolve to meet contemporary literary interests.

For crime fiction enthusiasts, publishers, and cultural observers, Sharjah's November transformation into the Middle East's thriller capital offers unique insights into how literature transcends borders while remaining deeply rooted in local experiences.

The emirate's investment in this niche but globally popular genre signals confidence in its cultural vision and commitment to literary excellence that resonates far beyond the region.