The fifth edition of the Sharjah Publishers Conference concluded on Sunday at the Expo Centre Sharjah, successfully bringing together 912 publishers, distributors, and booksellers representing 99 countries. This year’s programme featured a series of workshops, panel discussions, and specialised professional meetings designed to foster collaboration and innovation within the book industry.
Expanding Global Participation
According to Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publishing at the Sharjah Book Authority, eight countries participated in the conference for the first time, including Zambia, Peru, Portugal, and Costa Rica. This increase highlights the expanding international representation within the event, reflecting the growing importance of global dialogue in the publishing sector.
Workshops and Discussions on Industry Development
The conference offered more than 20 workshops conducted in Arabic, French, and English, alongside numerous discussions addressing various aspects of the publishing industry. Over two days, the event recorded more than 300 professional meetings focused on practical experiences and solutions aimed at enhancing book markets, expanding readership, diversifying library revenue sources, and adapting to digital transformations in the field.
Innovative Collaboration and Growth Opportunities
Al Hassani noted that the conference aims to broaden market access for those involved in the publishing industry, establishing new pathways for distributors and booksellers to connect with international partners. As the network expands, so too do the opportunities for books to reach new markets and audiences, a goal that the conference is committed to advancing with each iteration.
Showcasing Global Publishing Expertise
This year’s event featured 65 exhibitors from 29 countries, showcasing a diverse array of entities within the book industry, including publishing houses, distributors, bookstores, literary agencies, translation institutions, and companies specialising in educational and academic content.
Transformations in Book Retail
The closing day highlighted keynote speeches, including one from Adi Ekatama of Indonesia’s Gramedia. In a discussion moderated by Cyrus Kheradi, Vice President of International Sales and Marketing at Penguin Random House, Ekatama reflected on Gramedia’s evolution from a traditional bookstore to a comprehensive retail entity, before returning to its roots as a book-centric organisation. He addressed how changing reader behaviours and the rise of e-commerce have transformed the landscape of traditional libraries and bookstores, emphasising the importance of creating spaces that foster cultural engagement.
Empowering Women in Publishing
The “Publish Her” space hosted a third session titled “Expanding Without Losing Essence: Growth with Purpose,” featuring Nadia Wasef from Diwan Bookstores and Dr. Brigitte Bouad. Additionally, the platform provided sessions focused on professional visibility, led by author Carla De La Vega. Participants engaged in discussions on collaboration opportunities and were able to book individual sessions with female leaders in the publishing industry.
Exploring Arabic Book Distribution
The final day allowed attendees to participate in workshops and meetings that best suited their business needs, with a programme that included 14 international and 6 regional workshops. Discussions centred on digital development topics, including the use of artificial intelligence to understand customers and the role of metadata in enhancing digital book sales. Participants also explored the impact of shared publications on distributors and how international book fairs can help promote Arabic titles and their global presence.
The Sharjah Publishers Conference continues to play a vital role in fostering connections, encouraging innovation, and supporting the development of the global publishing landscape. As it concludes its fifth edition, the commitment to enhancing collaboration and expanding opportunities within the industry remains at the forefront, setting the stage for future editions to build upon these successes.