Sharjah Book Authority has awarded translation grants to 154 books in 2026, strengthening global cultural exchange, expanding Arabic literature worldwide, and supporting international publishing partnerships.
WEBDESK – SHARJAH NEWS
The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced that 154 book titles have been selected for its prestigious Translation Grant in 2026, marking a 56% increase over last year and reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a global hub for publishing, translation, and cultural dialogue.
The grants were awarded from among 2,098 applications submitted by publishers from around the world, reflecting growing international interest in the emirate’s flagship initiative, which supports the translation of literary and knowledge-based works across multiple languages.
Since its launch in 2011, the Translation Grant has supported the translation of 2,405 books, helping introduce Arab literature to international audiences while bringing global works to Arabic readers. The Sharjah Book Authority allocates US$300,000 annually to the program, including US$250,000 for translations to and from Arabic and US$50,000 for translations between other world languages.
Arabic books lead this year’s program
Arabic-language books dominated this year’s list, with 76 titles selected for translation into 20 foreign languages. They were followed by 31 English-language titles, which will be translated into nine languages, and 18 Turkish books translated into seven languages. The program also supported the translation of works from 53 languages into Arabic, highlighting its role in facilitating two-way cultural exchange.
Funding under the grant reaches up to US$4,000 for general books and US$1,500 for children’s books, depending on each title’s length.
Compared with 99 titles funded in 2025, this year’s 154 approved projects represent an increase of 55 books, or approximately 56%, demonstrating rising confidence among international publishers in the program and the growing quality of submitted works.
Sharjah reinforces its knowledge-based vision
HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, said the Translation Grant forms an essential part of Sharjah’s broader vision to strengthen the publishing industry and expand the movement of knowledge across cultures.
He said the program continues to encourage publishers to discover new authors, perspectives and ideas while enabling books to reach readers who may never have encountered them otherwise.
Al Ameri added that the initiative reflects the cultural vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who has long championed knowledge as the foundation of civilization and human development.
He also credited Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, for guiding the program’s evolution into a professional publishing initiative that helps transform translation rights into published books distributed worldwide.
Supporting publishers and international rights
Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publisher Services at the Sharjah Book Authority, said the grant enables publishers to move beyond acquiring translation rights by providing practical financial support to complete translation projects and enter new markets.
He noted that the increasing number of successful applications demonstrates publishers’ confidence in the program and its ability to convert publishing agreements into books that reach new readers across different languages and countries.
To qualify, publishers must submit an official translation agreement, translator details and copies of the final published edition. Eligible works include novels, biographies, poetry, cookbooks and children’s literature, provided they remain protected under copyright law.
The continued expansion of the Translation Grant further strengthens Sharjah’s reputation as one of the world’s leading centers for publishing, intellectual exchange and cross-cultural dialogue.
