Comprehensive Rules, Regulations & Violations
By submitting an application for the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), all participants and contractors acknowledge and accept the following terms and conditions in full.
1. OPERATIONAL REGULATIONS & LOGISTICS
1.1 Performance Bond
All SIBF contractors must submit a refundable Performance Bond of AED 200.00 per square meter of the stand area. This must be provided in the form of a security cheque issued to EXPO CENTRE SHARJAH.
1.2 Construction & Occupancy Timelines
Strict adherence to the move-in and move-out schedules is mandatory.
- Exhibitor Stand Construction (Contractors):
- Move-in: Sunday, 26/10/2025 – Monday, 3/11/2025 (9 Days)
- Move-out (Dismantling): Monday, 17/11/2025 – Wednesday, 19/11/2025 (3 Days)
- Working Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Normal Shell Scheme Stands (Participants):
- Move-in: Thursday, 30/10/2025 – Monday, 3/11/2025 (5 Days)
- Move-out (Dismantling): Monday, 17/11/2025 – Wednesday, 19/11/2025 (3 Days)
- Working Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Booth Setup: All booth setups must be completed within the designated working hours.
1.3 Utilities & Technical Services
- Electricity: Complimentary electricity is provided during both construction and the exhibition. Power requirements must be outlined in advance and must adhere to SEWA rules.
- Water/Drainage: Please note that water and drainage services are not provided.
- Rigging: For rigging services, contact Cristina Ureta (Sharjah Expo) at cristina@expo-centre.ae.
- Connectivity: Complimentary WiFi is provided to all exhibitors. For dedicated lines (Etisalat), please coordinate directly with the EXPO IT Team.
1.4 Identification
- Work IDs: Temporary work IDs are issued at no cost upon presentation of a valid Emirates ID.
2. COMPLIANCE & EXHIBITOR CONDUCT
2.1 Forbidden Products
The display or sale of forged editions or any items conflicting with the U.A.E.’s religious, social, or cultural norms is strictly prohibited. Confiscated products will not be returned.
2.2 Sales and Pricing
Exhibitors must strictly adhere to all SIBF price regulations. Violations are addressed with high severity, and the management may enforce immediate refunds to buyers in cases of non-compliance.
2.3 Agency and Promotion Rules
- Promotions: Promotional activities and announcements are permitted only within the exhibitor's designated space.
- Agency Rules: Any violation of established agency rules will face strict disciplinary measures.
2.4 Furniture and Space Integrity
- Furniture Limits: Stands must not exceed the allotted furniture; additional unauthorized furniture constitutes a violation.
- Space Usage: Leasing or exchanging allotted spaces is strictly prohibited.
3. VIOLATIONS & PENALTIES
3.1 Financial Fines
| Violation Category | Penalty/Fine |
| Late Construction | AED 5,000 (if site is not ready by 1:00 PM the day before opening) |
| Booth Type Change | AED 50 per sq. meter (if changed after the deadline) |
| Dividing Panel Removal | AED 30 per meter/length (if not mentioned in the participation form) |
3.2 Penalty Progression
For general operational and conduct violations, SIBF employs a three-tier disciplinary system:
- First-time Offense: Issuance of an official Warning Letter.
- Second-time Violation: Temporary closure of the stand for one full day.
- Repeated Violations (3rd time): Permanent closure of the stand for the remainder of the fair.
3.3 Serious Violations
Major offenses may result in SIBF implementing stricter measures, including:
- Reporting the entity to local and international authorities.
- Temporary or permanent exclusion from future SIBF sessions.
4. REFUNDS & CANCELLATION POLICY
4.1 Registration Cancellation
Participants wishing to cancel their registration must submit an official letter at least 30 days before the event date. Failure to provide this 30-day notice will result in a penalty equivalent to the full space rent.
4.2 Refund Procedures
- All refunds are subject to final approval by the SIBF Head of Finance.
- To cancel a payment and process a refund, the original physical receipt must be surrendered to the finance department.