EPA and SBA unveil region’s First “Publishers Exchange Program”

The programme was launched on the sidelines of the 15th edition of the International Publishers Conference, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority over three days with the participation of leading figures from the global publishing industry, ahead of the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025.

The initiative aims to address challenges faced by Emirati publishers in joining international fellowship programmes and expanding their presence in global cultural events. It will offer exclusive opportunities for training, workshops, and exchange programmes, in addition to building strategic partnerships with international publishing bodies. Under this framework, the EPA will collaborate with publishers’ associations in various countries to secure participation opportunities for Emirati publishers in fellowships, book fairs, and related events. In return, the EPA will allocate slots for publishers from those countries to participate in the International Publishers Conference in collaboration with the Sharjah Book Authority.

Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, emphasised that this initiative falls within the Association’s ongoing efforts, led by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the EPA, to create a sustainable and progressive future for the UAE’s publishing sector, enrich Arabic cultural content, and strengthen cooperation with international industry stakeholders — ultimately enhancing the UAE’s position as a regional and global hub for publishing.

Al Kous explained that the programme is built on three key pillars: rights exchange, professional empowerment, and global presence. It aims to boost the translation and circulation of Emirati literature by expanding opportunities for the sale and purchase of book rights and translations between Emirati and international publishers through specialised professional platforms and programmes.

He added that the programme will empower local publishers to build competitive international careers by participating in professional fellowship programmes, in collaboration with the Sharjah Book Authority, opening new paths for their growth and development. Additionally, it will be implemented according to a structured timeline targeting major publishing markets across East Asia, South America, and Europe, with continuous evaluation and gradual expansion to include more publishers and professional initiatives each year.

Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publishing Services at Sharjah Book Authority, stated: “The Publishers Exchange Programme represents a strategic step towards building long-term professional bridges linking Emirati publishers with their peers around the world. It opens wider avenues for rights exchange and joint publishing, embodying Sharjah’s vision of empowering the local publishing sector to engage directly with global markets and play an active role in shaping the future of the book industry through knowledge and cultural exchange.”

He added: “At the Sharjah Book Authority, we firmly believe that the development of the publishing industry can only be achieved through collaboration and the sharing of expertise. That is why this programme, launched in partnership with the Emirates Publishers Association, serves as a practical platform that offers publishers real opportunities for professional growth. We are confident that it will mark a qualitative leap in the international presence of Emirati publishers and further strengthen Sharjah’s position as a central hub in the global publishing movement.”

The Publishers Exchange Programme is expected to significantly boost the sale and purchase of translation and publishing rights, paving the way for Emirati publishers to participate in leading international fellowship programmes. Participants will be selected based on carefully designed criteria, reaffirming the programme’s commitment to supporting outstanding national talent in the sector and advancing them towards global recognition.