Image from the “Launch” path of the Sharjah Sustainable Publishing Fund (Publish) 2026 attached to the press release
Selected from 122 applicants
Press Release
As part of Sharjah’s Sustainable Publishing Program “Publish”
Ahmed Al-Amri: Sustainability in the publishing industry starts with investing in the people who lead it
Today (Sunday), the “Launch” path from the Sharjah Sustainable Publishing Fund (Publish) commenced at the Sharjah Book Authority. This initiative, launched by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, is featuring 25 participants selected from 122 applicants. The programme aims to provide those interested in the publishing industry with the practical knowledge and skills needed to establish and develop their projects in the publishing sector.
The programme, which will run for four days until 18 October, combines knowledge about the book industry with the requirements of managing a publishing project. It aims to assist participants in understanding the decisions they will face at the outset of their careers, balancing content quality with production costs and opportunities to reach readers, and building business plans that support the sustainability of their projects.
Sustainability in the Publishing Industry
His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakaad Al-Amri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, remarked, “The sustainability of the publishing industry begins with investing in the people who lead it. It is essential to empower new generations interested in the publishing sector, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to build sustainable and growing projects. The evolution of the book industry is not merely a result of increasing the number of publications but also hinges upon having publishing institutions that understand content, the market, and the reader, and can develop business models that keep pace with industry changes, adding new experiences and voices.”
He further stated, “This approach aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who has made books and knowledge the cornerstones of Sharjah’s cultural project. Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi continues to translate this vision into initiatives that strengthen the sustainability of the publishing industry and respond to the needs of those working within it. The Sharjah Sustainable Publishing Fund (Publish) is part of this pathway, supporting publishing projects at different stages of their development and providing owners with the knowledge and tools to turn their ideas into viable professional projects that can grow, compete, and reach readers.”
New Experiences in the World of Publishing
In a statement regarding the launch of the path, Iman bin Shaiba, Director of the Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets Department at the Sharjah Book Authority, said, “The sustainability of a publishing project begins with the founder’s ability to combine quality content with an understanding of the market and effective resource management. Therefore, the ‘Launch’ path materialises in accordance with the vision and directives of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, to prepare a generation of publishers equipped with knowledge and experience to build projects capable of growth, facing various challenges, thus contributing new expertise to the book industry and supporting its evolution and diversity.”
Establishing a Publishing Project
Participants began their journey by learning about the fundamentals of publishing, its models, and the components of a book, as well as the book’s life cycle, from defining a publishing house’s identity and literary genres to selecting titles, building a publication list, and stages of content editing and development. The initial sessions included basics in preparing business plans and project presentations, enabling the participants to gain a clearer picture of the sector they are about to enter. His Excellency Rashid Al-Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, delivered a session discussing the Association and “Platform,” elaborating on its role in supporting publishers and enhancing networking opportunities and access to resources and services in the publishing sector.
In upcoming sessions, participants will delve into the legal and commercial aspects of publishing, including copyright, contracts, rights purchase and sales, and associated financial returns. They will also learn the basics of building a visual identity and brand presence on digital platforms to determine how to present their projects and publications to the audience.
Reaching Readers
The path will enable participants to understand book production options, from traditional and digital printing to print-on-demand, selecting specifications for publications and print runs to help control production costs. This is complemented by a field visit to “Lightning Source Sharjah,” as part of the programme’s practical application linking training topics with the work environment in the publishing sector.
The programme addresses the needs of publishers in delivering their publications to readers, covering distribution to bookstores and retail outlets, engagement with e-commerce platforms, building an online store, and managing inventory and shipping. Participants will also learn about the requirements for company licensing, book permits, and international standard numbers, visiting the Sharjah Publishing City to explore offices and licensing and storage services.
Modern Publishing Tools
Upcoming sessions will open avenues for participants to explore digital publishing models, including e-books and audiobooks and their respective publishing platforms, as well as managing revenue and adapting to changing reader behaviours. This will help them consider publishing and distribution options that align with their publications and their target audience.
Artificial intelligence will be featured in the programme as a tool that publishers can leverage for content editing, improvement, translation, social media content preparation, editorial planning, and contract and proposal drafting. The training will also address the intellectual property rights associated with AI-generated content, combining the use of modern tools with an understanding of their legal and commercial aspects.
Managing Growth and Sustainability
An essential component of the path focuses on financial management, aiding participants in understanding the relationship between publishing costs and revenues and financial planning from the establishment stage. Topics include managing income and expenses, invoicing and tax obligations, as well as book pricing, margin analysis, and distribution discounts—all of which support decision-making based on project needs and operational costs.
The programme will conclude with training participants on how to present their projects, organising pitches that explain their business models and what distinguishes them, while preparing for questions from committees and relevant stakeholders, enabling each participant to articulate clearly their project idea, the value it offers, and their plan for operating in the publishing market.
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