The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), spearheading the emirate’s participation, highlighted the UAE’s dynamic publishing industry and the contributions of Emirati and Arab writers.
Sharjah reaffirmed its position as a leading cultural and literary hub with a strong presence at the 51st edition of the London Book Fair (LBF), held at Olympia London. The fair, one of the most prestigious events in the global publishing industry, brought together key players from around the world, including publishers, authors, and literary professionals, to exchange ideas, explore collaborations, and showcase innovations in the sector.
The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), spearheading the emirate’s participation, highlighted the UAE’s dynamic publishing industry and the contributions of Emirati and Arab writers. Through a diverse programme of initiatives, Sharjah reinforced its role as a bridge between cultures, fostering literary exchange between the Arab world and the international community.
Sharjah’s Vision Takes Centre Stage at LBF
H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, emphasised the significance of Sharjah’s participation in the fair, describing it as a key element of the emirate’s cultural agenda.
“LBF is one of the world’s most prominent cultural gatherings, reflecting the pulse of the global literary and publishing landscape,” Al Ameri said. “Sharjah’s continued presence here highlights our commitment to supporting the publishing movement worldwide. The success of the Sharjah International Book Fair, which has held the title of the world’s largest book fair for four consecutive years in terms of copyright trade, underscores our leadership in fostering global literary engagement.”
He added that under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, and the guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, the emirate has always championed books as more than just knowledge repositories—they are essential tools for cultural exchange, peace-building, and strengthening ties between nations.
Sharjah Pavilion: A Hub for Literary Exchange
Sharjah’s pavilion at LBF 2025 served as a vital meeting point for publishers, industry experts, and literary enthusiasts. It featured a carefully curated selection of Arabic literature translated into English, offering visitors insights into the region’s rich storytelling traditions. Emirati and international publishers also convened to explore potential collaborations and business opportunities.
One of the key highlights was the participation of the Sharjah Literary Agency, which provided consultations on book marketing strategies, copyright protection, and international book distribution. The Onshur Fund, an initiative aimed at supporting publishers at different stages of their professional journey, also introduced its latest incentives to encourage the growth of the industry.
Throughout the three-day event, SBA engaged in over 40 high-level meetings with some of the biggest names in global publishing, including Ingram, Atlantic Publishing, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Macmillan, Hachette, Oxford University Press, Amazon MGM Studios, and Sourcebooks. These discussions focused on strategic partnerships that would facilitate greater access to Arabic literature in international markets.
Revitalising Arabic Children’s Literature on a Global Scale
A major announcement at LBF 2025 was the renaming of the International Award for Arabic Children’s Literature, formerly known as the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature. Organised in collaboration with the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) and e&, the revamped award reflects Sharjah’s long-term commitment to promoting Arabic children’s and young adult literature on a global platform. The initiative aims to spotlight the creativity of Arab authors, publishers, and illustrators while fostering greater collaboration in the field.
SPCFZ Showcases Expansion Opportunities
As part of Sharjah’s delegation, the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ) introduced its state-of-the-art infrastructure tailored for publishing businesses, authors, and literary professionals seeking to establish and expand their ventures in the region. The free zone highlighted its administrative benefits and business incentives designed to attract global players in the publishing industry.
Sharjah’s Literary and Cultural Initiatives in the Spotlight
At LBF 2025, SBA actively promoted some of Sharjah’s most prominent literary and cultural initiatives. The authority presented opportunities available to international publishers through flagship events such as Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, Publishers Conference, Booksellers Conference and Sharjah Library Conference.
These platforms, held annually in Sharjah, bring together global stakeholders to exchange knowledge, explore business opportunities, and celebrate literary excellence.
Additionally, SBA highlighted the Sharjah Animation Conference, a pioneering global event dedicated to the world of animation and storytelling. The emirate’s commitment to translation and cross-cultural literary exchange was also showcased through initiatives such as the Turjuman Award and the Sharjah Translation Grant, which support the translation of Arabic literary works into various international languages.
