What makes Sharjah a global magnet for publishing deals?

These achievements were highlighted in exclusive interviews with local and international publishers at the conference, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority in collaboration with the International Publishers Association. Running from 3-5 November, the event has successfully focused global attention on Arabic culture, promoting publications that uphold ‘Arab cultural standards.’

For Mohammed Ağırakça, the founder of Turkey’s Introtema Copyright and Translation Agency, Sharjah’s Publishers Conference is indispensable. “Attending this event is non-negotiable for us,” he shared. “It’s a place of limitless possibilities unmatched by other global publishing events.” Last year alone, Arkitja’s agency secured contracts to buy and sell over 260 books across seven languages, collaborating with more than 20 publishers worldwide. He believes the 14th edition will be even more fruitful, paving the way for deals that embrace translation across multiple languages.

Sharjah, he notes, has spurred a ‘reverse flow’ in publishing as Turkey and the Arab world introduce their cultural legacies to global audiences from this platform. “This movement creates an enriching balance in the cultural landscape,” he added, underscoring Sharjah’s unique role in advancing cultural equity.

Ahmed Al-Kilani, director of the UAE-based House 101 Publishing and Distribution, sees the conference as a powerful incubator for start-ups, especially those focused on global collaboration. “In today’s world, where cultural barriers are blurring, the event has been instrumental in helping us establish meaningful partnerships,” Al-Kilani said. He shared how the conference has enabled his company to secure international representation, fostering agreements to translate UAE 101 into seven languages, including Turkish and Serbian, through strategic partnerships with major publishing houses.

Through the conference, Al-Kilani has gained insights into the global publishing landscape, discovering authors and publishers inspired by the UAE’s unique cultural context. His company recently partnered with a Georgian publisher to translate seven children’s stories into Arabic, including one inspired by the author’s visit to Noor Island in Sharjah.

Anna Lia, Director of Georgia’s Shemetsniba Publishing, spoke with pride about the transformative impact of the Sharjah Publishers Conference on her business. “Our annual participation over the last seven years has been instrumental in building our presence in ten countries, including Germany, Italy, Turkey, and the UAE,” she said. This longstanding relationship has fostered an enriching exchange between Arabic and Georgian cultures. 

She added: “Shemetsniba has been fortunate and forged ties with the UAE-based Kalimat Group, whose mission aligns with their commitment to delivering quality children’s educational materials. We have launched collections featuring handcrafted illustrations and educational cards inviting young readers to explore their heritage.”

Mohammed Al-Khatib, General Manager of Digital Future Publishing in Lebanon and the UAE, believes the conference’s value lies in connecting international publishers directly with Arab industry players. “Understanding the Arab market firsthand is invaluable,” Al-Khatib noted. “It gives international publishers insight into the titles that resonate here, the demand drivers, and the opportunities that truly matter.”

Al-Khatib highlighted a crucial trend: international publishers attending the conference are increasingly adapting their content to Arab cultural values. “Sharjah has pioneered an approach that guides global publishers toward creating works that are not only culturally attuned but resonate deeply with Arab readers,” he said, adding: “It’s a remarkable achievement that underscores the conference’s growing influence in the global publishing market.”