It is with great pleasure that we welcome you once again to the Sharjah Publishers Conference, a staple in the global publishing agenda. As a recognized pivotal hub in publishing, Sharjah serves as a meeting place where the global publishing industry converges annually to explore the dynamic and evolving landscape of publishing.
At the Sharjah Publishers Conference, you will have the opportunity to connect with publishers from regions that are not often present at other major industry events. By bringing together voices from across the globe, Sharjah fosters greater industry cohesion. Last year, we proudly hosted participants from 106 countries, reinforcing our position as a hub for meaningful dialogue, publishing rights transactions, strategic partnerships, and cross-cultural knowledge exchange.
This year’s conference arrives at a crucial time, as our industry navigates both challenges and opportunities presented by rapid advancements in digital publishing and AI. It is essential that we align innovation with market trends and consumer needs to ensure the sustainability of our industry and expand the reach of books to diverse audiences and new markets.
Our program features an impressive lineup of prominent publishers, literary agents, and specialists in sustainable publishing. We aim for attendees to leave with valuable knowledge and insights from distinguished experts on trends, best practices, and innovations to help improve businesses and advance publishing in their markets. The addition of professional workshops will enhance the effectiveness of our sessions, fostering deeper engagement and collaboration among participants.
We are confident that the discussions, partnerships, and insights gained in this conference will significantly contribute to the development and progress of the global publishing industry. Together, we can navigate the complexities of our evolving industry, build resilient and sustainable futures for our businesses, and continue to inspire readers around the world.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi is the chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, founder and CEO of Kalimat, and a past president of the International Publishers Association.
