Sharjah: The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), in collaboration with the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), has launched the region’s first-ever Publishers Exchange Programme, designed to strengthen professional partnerships between Emirati publishers and international counterparts, facilitate knowledge exchange, and connect local book fairs with global fellowship opportunities. The initiative aims to enhance the sustainability of the UAE publishing industry and reinforce its presence on the global publishing map.
The programme was unveiled on the sidelines of the 15th International Publishers Conference, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority over three days ahead of the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025, with leading figures from the global publishing industry in attendance.
The programme seeks to address challenges faced by Emirati publishers in participating in international fellowship programmes and global cultural events. It will offer training, workshops, and exchange initiatives, in addition to fostering strategic partnerships with international publishing bodies. Under the initiative, the EPA will collaborate with publishers’ associations worldwide to secure opportunities for Emirati publishers to participate in fellowships, book fairs, and related events, while offering slots for international publishers at the International Publishers Conference.
Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, highlighted that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts led by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the EPA, to create a sustainable future for the UAE publishing sector, enrich Arabic cultural content, and strengthen cooperation with global industry stakeholders.
Al Kous explained that the programme is built on three 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. The programme will also empower local publishers to pursue competitive international careers through participation in professional fellowship programmes and collaborations with the Sharjah Book Authority.
The initiative will be rolled out according to a structured timeline targeting major publishing markets in East Asia, South America, and Europe, with ongoing evaluation and gradual expansion to include more publishers and professional initiatives each year.
Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publishing Services at the SBA, said the programme represents a strategic step in building long-term professional bridges between Emirati publishers and their international peers. He noted that it will open wider avenues for rights exchange and joint publishing, further empowering the local publishing sector to engage with global markets.
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“The development of the publishing industry can only be achieved through collaboration and the sharing of expertise,” Al Hassani said. “This programme offers practical opportunities for professional growth, and we are confident it will mark a significant leap in the international presence of Emirati publishers while strengthening Sharjah’s position as a central hub in the global publishing industry.”
The Publishers Exchange Programme is expected to significantly boost the sale and purchase of translation and publishing rights and provide Emirati publishers with access to leading international fellowship programmes. Participants will be selected based on rigorous criteria, ensuring the initiative supports the nation’s most talented publishers and elevates them to global recognition.
