The 16th edition of the Sharjah International Publishers Conference opened at Expo Centre Sharjah, gathering 1,433 publishers from 126 countries ahead of the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair.
Global Publishers Gather for Sharjah Conference
Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, delivered the keynote address at the opening of the three-day event. She stated that the strength of the publishing industry and its capacity to tackle challenges stem from cross-border solidarity and cooperation among publishers. She noted that international publishing challenges frequently find innovative solutions through the exchange of experiences and expertise. She added that the sector has proven its resilience during crises and transformations not just through endurance, but by adapting, reinventing work methods, and building new bridges to readers.
I was delighted to welcome publishers from around the world to the 16th Sharjah Publishers Conference: three days of conversations, perspectives and opportunities to strengthen global publishing. pic.twitter.com/UACpfMnje8
Did You Know? The opening ceremony brought together notable figures including Ahmed bin Rkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, Gvantsa Jobava, president of the International Publishers Association, Ahmed bin Saud Al Rawahi, director of the Muscat International Book Fair, Sanyu Dillon, president of Random House at Penguin Random House in the United States, and José Manuel Anta, general director of the Spanish Publishers Association (FGEE).
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Take Center Stage
The conference’s first day featured 30 panel discussions across four rounds, including seven sessions conducted in Arabic. Topics covered artificial intelligence applications in book discovery, editing, marketing, content licensing, audiobook production and distribution, and the development of small and medium publishing houses. Additional sessions addressed translation rights, audiovisual adaptations, intellectual property investments, and digital platform marketing strategies.
Ahmed bin Saud Al Rawahi, director of the Muscat International Book Fair, spoke during Oman’s keynote address, praising Sharjah’s global cultural standing. He emphasized that the publishing industry faces a new transformation driven by artificial intelligence technologies. He also expressed Oman’s pride in being selected as the guest of honor for the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair.
Translation Grants and Industry Awards Announced
During the opening ceremony, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi honored the company Clover, which won the “Innovation” track within the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Emirati: “Nshir”). The company operates in Portugal and Brazil, providing AI-backed publishing solutions and recording thousands of paid transactions in its first year. The Sharjah Book Authority will support the winning company in establishing operations in Sharjah.
It was great to see our global publishing family assemble again in Sharjah, including representatives from nine countries joining for the first time. Sharing knowledge and forging new partnerships arepivotal to building a strong, resilient publishing industry for the future. pic.twitter.com/26yT8fc5gW
The Sharjah Book Authority announced a dedicated translation grant reaching 300,000 U.S. dollars to support publishers and literary agents in translating intellectual and literary works between Arabic and other global languages.
Expert Insight: The convergence of 1,433 publishers from 126 nations highlights Sharjah’s role as a vital nexus for international literary trade. By pairing high-level AI discussions with substantial translation grants, the conference addresses both the technological pressures facing modern publishers and the enduring economic barriers to cross-cultural literary exchange.
Sharjah Publishers Conference Draws Thousands of Participants
How many publishers and countries participated in the 16th Sharjah International Publishers Conference?
The conference drew 1,433 publishers and literary agents representing 126 countries to the Expo Centre Sharjah.
What company won the Innovation track of the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund?
Clover, a firm operating in Portugal and Brazil that delivers AI-supported publishing solutions, won the award after competing against 94 applicants from 17 countries.
Sharjah will host publishing leaders and experts from around the world for the 16th Sharjah International Publishers Conference, running from 1 to 3 November ahead of the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair.⠀The conference will address 30 industry topics, including artificial… pic.twitter.com/6OOlkba1JC
What subjects were covered during the first day of panel discussions?
The 30 sessions explored AI applications in editing and marketing, audiobook production, digital platform distribution, translation rights, audiovisual adaptation, and small business development for publishers.
How will bilateral business meetings and publishing exchanges shape international partnerships throughout the remainder of the three-day event?
Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Book Authority, opened the 16th edition of the Publishers Conference, highlighting the power of cross-border collaboration in strengthening the publishing industry and shaping its future.Bringing together… pic.twitter.com/gCvYgQoVat
Competing for attention while keeping books affordable and accessible is one of publishing’s key challenges.In his opening address at the Publishers Conference, Jose Manuel Anta, Managing Director, FGEE, highlighted the need to balance environmental responsibility, innovation… pic.twitter.com/BsBp1Yc1xC
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