SBA lays groundwork for SAC 2026 with strategic visit to Japan

This trip is part of SBA’s long-term strategy to build upon the reputation of Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC) in being a globally recognised platform that fosters year-round collaboration, knowledge transfer, and the growth of the animation industry across the MENA region.

Since its inception in 2023, SAC has quickly grown into an important event in the MENA region’s animation calendar. Far beyond an annual conference, SAC is part of SBA's broader vision to create a sustainable, year-round platform for creative exchange, offering both regional talent and international industry leaders a space for collaboration and development. This visit to Japan marks a key step in strengthening SAC’s future, with a focus on knowledge transfer and forging partnerships that will enrich the creative ecosystem in Sharjah.

Long-term cultural and creative exchanges

During the trip, the delegation, comprising Khoula Al Mujaini, SAC Executive Director; Pietro Pinetti, Artistic Director of SBA; and Moza Al Rand, Head of Events at Sharjah Book Authority; held strategic meetings with some of Japan’s most influential animation companies; including industry heavy-weights such as Nippon Animation, Oh Production and Toei Animation. Extending their outreach to the publishing sector, the delegation also engaged with leading Japanese manga and book publishers Kodansha and Shogakukan, as well as media conglomerates and entertainment groups, including Kadokawa Corporation and Bandai Namco.

Importantly, the meetings laid the groundwork for collaboration in preparation for the SAC 2026, where industry professionals from around the world will gather to explore business and investment opportunities in the animation sector. The discussions also focused on developing new content that resonates with Arab audiences while preserving the cultural heritage and storytelling traditions of Japan. These potential collaborations aim to bring Japanese animation expertise to Sharjah, elevating the conference and creating long-term cultural and creative exchanges.

Khoula Al Mujaini commented on the trip’s significance, stating: “This visit to Japan is a critical part of our long-term commitment to SAC. We are building something far beyond an event; our vision is to create a sustainable, vibrant ecosystem for animation in Sharjah and the wider Arab region. By connecting with global leaders in animation, technology, and education, we are bringing world-class expertise to Sharjah and ensuring that SAC continues to evolve as a platform for creative collaboration, cultural exchange, and knowledge transfer.”

Discussions with creative tech leaders

The delegation also met with AlphaCode, a leader in creative tech, to explore the integration of digital storytelling formats, gamification, and immersive media into SAC’s future offerings. These innovations will allow SAC to expand its scope, offering audiences an interactive and evolving experience that blends traditional animation with cutting-edge technology.

“Sharjah’s position as a strategic gateway for international creative industries has become increasingly evident in the past decade. With its strong infrastructure, cultural commitment, and growing influence in the MENA region, our emirate offers Japanese media and creative companies an ideal gateway for entering or expanding in the Arab world, and SAC forms a key component of this effort, positioning the city as a vital player in the global creative sector”, Al Mujaini added.

A significant aspect of the visit was also the exploration of educational partnerships, and the delegation engaged with Wacom, a global leader in digital drawing and animation tools, and a key sponsor of SAC’s annual gathering. Discussing potential training programmes, workshops, and talent development initiatives; this potential collaborative expansion is designed to directly benefit Sharjah’s young creatives, giving them access to world-class resources and expertise, while empowering them to contribute to the future of the global animation industry.