The months-long programme provided 20 participants with rigorous training and guidance, culminating in final project presentations to a panel of industry experts. These projects were evaluated on criteria including innovation, business model viability, financial feasibility, growth strategy, and effective use of grant funding.
The panel of judges included esteemed professionals from the publishing sector: HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA; HE Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association; Abdulrazzaq Al Sharif, Director of Business Development at Kalimat Group; Iman Ben Chaibah, SBA’s Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets; Tamer Said, Director of the Sharjah Literary Agency; Khawla Al Mujaini, SBA’s Director of Events; Fadel Hussein, Director of SBA's Eastern Region Office; Maryam Al Qasab, Director of SBA’s CEO office; and Mansour Al Hassani, Director of SBA’s Publishing Services.
Highlighting the programme’s significance, Al Ameri commented: “We take immense pride in launching this new programme under SBA’s umbrella for new and emerging publishers, and have unwavering confidence in their potential to create a transformative shift in the publishing industry. The creativity and dedication we witnessed reinforce our confidence in these new talents and deepen our commitment to shaping the future of publishing in the UAE and the wider region.”
Onshur awarded five winners for their outstanding ideas and business models. Maryam Thani Al Falasi, Dalal Hussein Al Jaberi, and Shatha Nasser. Fatema Hussein Al Hammadi, and Asmaa Abd El-Hafeez Emara.
Each winner will receive a comprehensive support package, including a financial grant to facilitate growth, a business licence and an office from Sharjah Publishing City, membership in the Emirates Publishers Association, contracts with the Sharjah Literary Agency, opportunities to participate in international book fairs, access to Menassa, the distribution platform, and access to grants from the Sharjah International Book Fair’s Translation and Rights Fund. Winners will also enjoy enhanced brand visibility through social media channels, discounted printing services with Lightning Source Sharjah, and networking opportunities with industry experts.
For those participants who did not secure the grant, Al Ameri assured that, under the guidance of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, they would still receive robust support. This includes a one-year subsidised business licence and co-working space at Sharjah Publishing City, membership in the Emirates Publishers Association, and discounted printing with Lightning Source Sharjah. They will also gain opportunities to connect with industry leaders and attend select international book fairs, underscoring Onshur’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and fostering a dynamic local publishing landscape.
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