Sharjah Book Authority strengthens India publishing ties at New Delhi fair

Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) concluded its participation in the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026 this January, establishing new partnerships with Indian publishing and knowledge industries. According to Sharjah Book Authority's official press release, the move aims to expand Arab cultural presence in East Asia and promote Sharjah's integrated publishing ecosystem.

Building bridges with India's publishing industry

SBA’s presence at the New Delhi World Book Fair, held from 10 to 18 January at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, focused on fostering sustainable knowledge partnerships. This aligns with Sharjah's vision to strengthen its global cultural scene and expand cooperation with key international publishing markets like India.

During the fair, SBA held various professional meetings with Indian publishing houses and cultural institutions. These discussions introduced Sharjah’s comprehensive ecosystem for supporting the publishing industry and advancing the knowledge and creative sectors in the UAE and the wider region.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, explained, "Sharjah views international book fairs as platforms for establishing sustainable knowledge partnerships, not merely occasions for display." He emphasised that Sharjah's participation reflects the UAE's commitment to expanding cultural cooperation with Asia, engaging with established markets that have a rich heritage and growing global influence.

Sharjah's strategic cultural vision

Al Ameri added that SBA’s participation in the fair is part of a "long-term cultural vision led by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which is grounded in the belief that books and the publishing industry are fundamental pillars in building the individual and strengthening dialogue between civilisations."

He noted that Sharjah's integrated offering to the international publishing sector includes training, capacity building, legislative development, infrastructure, and an advanced professional investment environment. This approach follows the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Sharjah Book Authority, to cement Sharjah’s role as a global platform for cultural dialogue and publishing.

These efforts, Al Ameri said, "aim to empower publishers as active partners in cultural development and to build cross-border networks of cooperation that enhance the global presence of Arabic literature while opening new pathways for knowledge exchange and cultural integration."

Integrated ecosystem for global publishing

SBA highlighted several key initiatives and programmes during its meetings:

• Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival
• Booksellers Conference (scheduled for May)
• NYU Publishing Executive Programme (in cooperation with New York University and American University of Sharjah)
• Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), including its International Publishers Conference and Sharjah Libraries Conference.

This comprehensive ecosystem is designed to consolidate Sharjah's position as a global platform for cultural dialogue, bringing together book and knowledge professionals and fostering sustainable partnerships worldwide. For more on Sharjah's reading initiatives, see our coverage of Reading Box in Dubai or Dubai's Digital Library.

Sharjah Publishing City: A gateway to Asia

A significant focus of SBA's outreach was the Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone. Recognised as a leading free zone dedicated to the publishing industry, SPC offers an integrated environment for business setup and expansion. SBA showcased its regulatory frameworks, commercial licensing, ease of operations, advanced infrastructure, and investment opportunities to international, particularly Indian, publishers.

During the fair, SPC also announced a special offer for Indian publishers. This move underscores Sharjah’s commitment to forging long-term partnerships with Asian publishing markets and encouraging publishers to consider Sharjah as a regional base, thereby strengthening the ties between Arab and Indian publishing landscapes.

Growing interest in Arabic literature

The Sharjah pavilion at the New Delhi World Book Fair saw strong visitor interest. Audiences explored publications by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, alongside titles from Kalimat Group and other cultural entities under the SBA pavilion. This turnout indicates a growing Indian public interest in Arabic literature and publishing initiatives from Sharjah.

The New Delhi World Book Fair is one of the world's largest public book fairs, organised by the National Book Trust under the Ministry of Education of the Government of India, in partnership with the India Trade Promotion Organisation. The 53rd edition featured over 1,000 publishing houses from 35+ countries and attracted over two million visitors, reinforcing its role as a key platform for literary and cultural exchange.

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