Through Al Bait Al Emarati, organised by the UAE Embassy in China in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, SBA showcased the UAE’s literary, cultural and publishing landscape through author engagements, cultural performances and programmes highlighting the country’s creative and knowledge sectors.

As part of the UAE’s wider presence in Beijing, SBA highlighted Sharjah’s role in promoting cultural exchange through publishing, translation and rights trading. The Authority used the platform to strengthen links between Emirati and Chinese publishing professionals and support greater collaboration in knowledge and content development.

Strengthening UAE-China publishing ties

His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, said: “Our participation in the Beijing International Book Fair carries particular significance as part of the UAE’s Guest of Honour programme, reflecting the strength of cultural ties between the UAE and China. Through this platform, we are showcasing the work of Emirati and Arab authors and publishers in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who has long championed books as a means of knowledge exchange and cultural dialogue, reinforcing Sharjah’s role in supporting Arab culture and connecting it with audiences worldwide.”

Al Ameri added: “Under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, we continue to strengthen our international engagement through a focus on knowledge investment and long-term partnerships. As a major force in digital publishing, content creation and intellectual property, China offers valuable opportunities for collaboration. Our presence here helps expand professional networks, deepen expertise and open new avenues for cooperation between the publishing sectors of both countries.”

Publishing and rights exchange

SBA reinforced its presence at the fair through three panel discussions exploring Sharjah’s publishing ecosystem, from printing and distribution to rights management and the role of literary agencies in supporting authors and publishers.

In the session, “Sharjah Publishing City: A Global Platform for Publishing Industry Development”, Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of Sharjah Publishing City, and Shi Yang (Hefa), Director of Outar Publications, discussed how the city supports publishers’ international expansion through services such as print-on-demand and global distribution. The session was moderated by Karima Al Azizi, Head of the International Relations Division at the Sharjah Book Authority.

In the session "Buying and Selling International Copyright: From Strategy to Negotiation and Signing," Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at SBA, spoke with Tamer Said, Director of the Sharjah Literary Agency, on international rights trading, covering market selection, negotiations and contracting. Said also joined Dr Basma Younes, cultural advisor to the Ministry of Culture and Youth for a discussion on the role of literary agencies in the Arab world.

SBA’s participation was particularly significant given the global standing of the Beijing International Book Fair. Established in 1986, the event brings together more than 2,600 exhibitors from over 100 countries and regions each year, providing a key forum for publishers, rights professionals and organisations involved in digital publishing and content trade.