Emirati content creator shares lessons from adapting his documentary series into a published book at the Sharjah International Book Fair
SHARJAH, UAE — Every idea, big or small, has the potential to become a book, Emirati digital content creator and author Abdalla Al Ansari told audiences at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026).
Speaking during a session titled Turn Your Idea Into a Book! at SIBF’s Social Media Station, Al Ansari shared his experience of adapting his 2026 documentary series, Sealed Records, into a book titled Who Is Truly Sick?. Through his digital content and independent streaming platform, Maksab, Al Ansari focuses on personal development, mental health awareness, and cinematic storytelling.
Both Sealed Records and Who Is Truly Sick? examine the experiences of patients at Lebanon’s historic Deir El Salib psychiatric hospital. While the documentary offers an insight into daily life at one of Lebanon’s oldest psychiatric institutions, the book documents the personal stories of 19 patients. It encourages readers to question whether those receiving psychiatric care are truly the ones who are unwell, or whether society’s attitudes and judgements also warrant scrutiny.
“I want this book to be a source of comfort for all those who are going through a difficult time,” Al Ansari said.
Outlining the practical steps required to develop a manuscript, he stressed the importance of meticulous documentation, maintaining organised records, reviewing material regularly, and working toward a clear deadline. During the interactive segment, he invited attendees to pitch their own concepts and offered tailored guidance on turning those ideas into published works.
“I wish for everyone to know that any thought or notion can be nurtured into a full-fledged book,” he said, concluding the session by encouraging aspiring writers to pursue their creative ambitions and publish their work over the coming year.
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair runs from November 4 to 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme Made of Stories, with the Sultanate of Oman serving as Guest of Honour. The event brings together 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries showcasing more than 1.7 million titles, alongside 1,500 cultural, creative, and artistic events featuring 106 guests from 25 countries.
