Sharjah Book Authority strengthens ties at Delhi book fair

Professional meetings and partnerships
During the fair, the Authority held a series of professional meetings with Indian publishers and cultural and knowledge institutions, highlighting Sharjah’s integrated system for supporting the publishing industry and promoting knowledge and creativity in the UAE and the region. The sessions also explored opportunities to benefit from Sharjah’s international cultural initiatives held throughout the year.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, said: “Sharjah views international fairs as platforms to establish sustainable knowledge partnerships, not merely as exhibition events. Participation in New Delhi reflects the emirate and the UAE’s commitment to expanding cultural cooperation with Asia and engaging with established publishing markets that have a rich civilisational history and growing global influence.”

He added: “The Authority’s participation in the New Delhi fair follows a long-term cultural vision led by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which considers books and publishing as fundamental to human development and intercultural dialogue.”

Sharjah’s integrated publishing ecosystem
Al Ameri emphasised that Sharjah offers the international publishing sector a comprehensive ecosystem, from training and capacity building to regulatory and infrastructure development, providing a professional and investment-friendly environment. This approach aligns with the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, who has established Sharjah as a global platform for cultural dialogue and publishing. The efforts aim to empower publishers as active partners in cultural development and build cross-border collaborations that enhance the global presence of Arabic literature while opening new paths for knowledge exchange and cultural integration.

International initiatives from Sharjah to the world
At the fair, the Authority showcased several initiatives, including the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, the upcoming Distributors Conference in May, and the Executive Publishing Programme organised in partnership with New York University and the American University of Sharjah. The programme trains professionals in publishing leadership, developing expertise and knowledge in the sector.

The Authority also highlighted the Sharjah International Book Fair as a major global publishing platform, alongside specialised professional conferences such as the International Publishers Conference and the Sharjah Library Conference, which provide opportunities for experience exchange and discussion of global publishing challenges. The integrated system positions Sharjah as a global platform for cultural dialogue, bringing together publishers and knowledge institutions and supporting long-term professional partnerships worldwide.

Sharjah Publishing City as a gateway to regional markets
The Authority presented Sharjah Publishing City, one of the world’s leading free zones specialised in publishing, to international publishers, particularly Indian participants. It highlighted the city’s comprehensive system for business establishment and growth, including regulatory frameworks, licensing procedures, advanced infrastructure, specialised professional services, and investment opportunities facilitating access to regional and global markets. During the fair, the city announced a special offer for Indian publishers, reflecting Sharjah’s strategy to build long-term partnerships with Asian publishing markets and encourage them to use Sharjah as a regional base, promoting integration between Arab and Indian publishing sectors.

Strong interest in Emirati and Arabic literature
Sharjah’s pavilion attracted significant attention from visitors, who explored works by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, publications from Kalimat Publishing, and other cultural entities participating in the Authority’s pavilion, reflecting Indian interest in Arabic literature and publishing projects from Sharjah.

New Delhi fair as a global literary platform
The New Delhi International Book Fair, organised by the National Book Trust under India’s Ministry of Education in partnership with the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation, is one of the world’s largest public-focused book fairs. The 53rd edition hosted over 1,000 publishers from more than 35 countries, more than 600 cultural events, and nearly 1,000 speakers, with expected attendance exceeding two million visitors over nine days.

Sharjah’s participation aligns with its strategy to build long-term partnerships with global publishing markets, enhance cultural exchange, support translation rights, and enable publishers and authors to engage in a cross-border publishing ecosystem, reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a global hub for books and knowledge.