Sharjah Book Authority has opened registration for the 16th International Publishers Conference, bringing global publishing leaders together to advance innovation, rights trading, translation, and international collaboration.
WEBDESK – SHARJAH NEWS – IMRAN MALIK
The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced the opening of registration for the 16th Sharjah International Publishers Conference, to be held from November 1 to 3 at Expo Center Sharjah, ahead of the 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).
The three-day conference follows SIBF’s retention of its position as the world’s largest marketplace for buying and selling publishing rights for the fifth consecutive year. The event is expected to attract publishers, literary agents, and publishing professionals from around the world to network, develop business, and exchange knowledge.
Registration for the conference will remain open until August 25, with successful applicants set to be notified on September 11.
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Designed as a leading international platform for the publishing industry, the conference will feature business matchmaking sessions, rights negotiations, specialist training workshops, and networking opportunities. Participants will also benefit from the US$300,000 Translation Grant program and compete for the prestigious Publishers Recognition Award, initiatives aimed at encouraging cross-cultural publishing and expanding the global reach of literary works.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, said the conference reflects Sharjah’s long-term commitment to strengthening the global knowledge economy through publishing and cultural exchange.
“Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and under the direction of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, the emirate continues to invest in a knowledge ecosystem that strengthens the role of books and supports publishing as a pillar of cultural development and future growth,” Al Ameri said.
He added that the conference brings together expertise, opportunities, and strategic partnerships under one roof while helping publishers adapt to a rapidly evolving industry shaped by digital transformation and changing reader habits.
Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publisher Services at SBA, said the event is designed to help publishers build meaningful international partnerships and identify new business opportunities.
“A strong publishing industry begins with publishers who can identify opportunities and turn them into lasting professional relationships and partnerships that drive business growth and expand their international reach,” he said.
According to Al Hassani, this year’s conference will place particular emphasis on rights negotiations, enabling publishers to introduce books from different languages and cultures to new audiences while increasing the international visibility of Arabic content.
The conference program includes 30 specialized workshops covering key topics shaping the future of publishing. Sessions will explore artificial intelligence in publishing, audio publishing, copyright and licensing, international market expansion, organizational leadership, and strategic innovation.
The workshops aim to equip publishers and literary agents with practical skills and industry insights to navigate the rapidly changing publishing landscape while fostering greater international collaboration.
Held annually before the Sharjah International Book Fair, the Publishers Conference has become one of the region’s most influential industry gatherings, reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a global hub for publishing, intellectual exchange, and cultural dialogue.
Publishing professionals interested in participating are invited to submit their applications through the official conference website before the August 25 registration deadline.
