Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi is chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, and past president of the International Publishers Association. We spoke to her ahead of this year’s Sharjah International Book Fair.

The Sharjah Book Authority has achieved so much since its foundation in 2014. As the chairperson, how do you see the organization developing its mission further?

The SBA translates the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi of making Sharjah a global cultural hub and a bridge between east and west. Building on his vision and our successes, our focus is now on strategically positioning the SBA to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape. We aim to expand our initiatives, not just in terms of growth, but in how we can deepen our impact on the cultural and literary sectors worldwide. This includes embracing new technologies, fostering international collaborations, and continuing to serve as a bridge between diverse cultures.

Our mission is to ensure that the SBA remains a leader in promoting the transformative power of the written word. To stay true to this, we are launching a number of strategic initiatives. For example, we recently introduced the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur), a first-of-its-kind fund aimed at nurturing and supporting the long-term growth of the Emirati publishing industry. Backed by the SBA and Sharjah Publishing City, and supported by the Emirates Publishers Association, this initiative will positively impact the growth and development of the U.A.E.’s publishing sector. Onshur provides capital, expertise, and strategic support, focusing on three key areas: growth, innovation, and empowering emerging publishers, all aligned with Sharjah and SBA’s vision to strengthen Emirati publishers and help them become global players in the industry.

What are the most interesting things you are seeing in the industry at the moment?

The publishing industry is in a fascinating period of transformation, driven by the rapid advancement of technology and the evolving preferences of readers. One of the most interesting developments is the integration of AI and digital tools, which are revolutionizing how content is created, discovered, and consumed. This presents both challenges and opportunities, as we explore new ways to engage readers and adapt to these changes.

Another compelling trend is the growing emphasis on diverse voices and stories. There’s a heightened awareness of the importance of inclusivity in publishing, which is leading to a richer and more varied literary landscape. Additionally, the shift towards sustainable publishing practices is gaining momentum, with more publishers and authors recognizing the need to reduce their environmental footprint.

Lastly, the global nature of publishing is more evident than ever. Cross-cultural collaborations and the translation of works across languages are breaking down barriers, allowing stories to travel and connect with audiences worldwide. This aligns closely with our mission at the SBA to build cultural bridges through the power of the written word.

What new initiatives from the Kalimat Publishing Group are you most looking forward to over the next 12 months?

Kalimat Group is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and young readers through high-quality, culturally resonant books. Our mission has always been to empower the next generation by providing them with the tools for learning, creativity, and self-expression. To achieve this, we are always on a constant search for excellence, whether through improving our internal processes, strengthening our teams, or upskilling our capabilities. A key part of this journey involves forging strong and innovative collaborations that help us extend our reach and impact.

One of the most exciting developments is our collaboration with Reggio Children in Italy. We recently solidified this partnership with a Memorandum of Understanding, building on six years of successful cooperation. This collaboration will bring the renowned ‘Reggio Emilia Approach’ to education into our work, allowing us to organize seminars, exhibitions, and workshops, and to translate and distribute important educational publications. This initiative is particularly significant as it aligns with our commitment to enhancing educational experiences for children and educators.

In line with our mission to enhance the quality of Arabic-published books, we have also launched a new initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the Writers’ Retreat. This program is designed to nurture emerging Emirati writers through a series of carefully curated workshops, masterclasses, and seminars led by acclaimed authors and literary professionals. With a strong emphasis on mentorship and personalized guidance, the retreat provides an invaluable opportunity for writers to grow, collaborate, and share ideas in an inspiring environment.

These collaborations reflect Kalimat Group’s ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation, ensuring that we continue to lead in the publishing industry while making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.

The PublisHer community goes from strength to strength. What are the next steps for the organization?

My real dream behind establishing PublisHer is that there will come a day, hopefully in our lifetime, where there will be no need for an organization like PublisHer. A time when women and men in our industry work and collaborate based on equal rights and opportunities for growth and development, driven by merit, not gender or cultural background.

PublisHer has grown into a vibrant community that champions women in the publishing industry worldwide. Our next steps focus on deepening our impact and expanding our reach. We plan to launch more mentorship programs to support emerging female leaders, providing them with the tools and networks they need to succeed.

We’re also expanding our global presence with events and workshops in diverse regions, ensuring that women everywhere have access to our resources and support. Additionally, we’re amplifying our advocacy for gender equality and representation at all levels.

Ultimately, we aim to create a more inclusive publishing landscape where women have equal opportunities to lead and innovate. PublisHer will continue to push boundaries and set new standards for what women can achieve.

What challenges and opportunities do you see in the U.A.E. book market at the moment?

The U.A.E. book market is indeed at an exciting crossroads, where opportunities and challenges are intertwined. A key opportunity lies in the growing appetite for diverse and locally produced content. The increasing demand for stories that reflect the U.A.E.’s rich cultural landscape provides a unique chance for local authors and publishers to make their mark and contribute to the global literary scene.

However, this opportunity also presents the challenge of ensuring that our industry keeps pace with global trends, especially in digital publishing and the integration of new technologies. It’s essential to adapt to these changes through upskilling and global networking while preserving the authenticity and cultural relevance of our content, which is the cornerstone of our identity.

Additionally, there’s a pressing need for greater investment in literacy and reading culture, particularly among the younger generation. With the strong support from leadership and initiatives like the SBA we see a tremendous opportunity to cultivate a new generation of readers and writers. These efforts will be crucial in shaping the future of the U.A.E.’s book and literary landscape, ensuring that they remain vibrant and dynamic.