Sharjah: In the presence of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) recently celebrated the graduation of its first cohort from their Launch Track training programme. This initiative further cements the emirate’s commitment to fostering a knowledge-driven economy and nurturing emerging talent within the publishing sector.

According to Emirates News Agency, Onshur’s graduation ceremony honoured 20 participants who completed an intensive 6-week training programme after being selected from over 140 applicants, demonstrating their dedication and potential in the publishing industry. The event took place during the 14th annual Sharjah Publishers Conference, where Sheikha Bodour delivered an inspiring speech, expressing her enthusiasm for the next generation of publishers. She stated, “Today marks an important milestone in our journey to build a resilient and forward-looking publishing sector in the UAE. Through the Onshur progr
am, we’re empowering a new generation of publishers to lead with passion, adaptability, and vision.”

Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, highlighted the transformative contributions of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi in accelerating the development of the UAE’s publishing sector. He congratulated the graduates of the first cohort of Onshur’s ‘Launch’ track, emphasizing the importance of visionary initiatives that are propelling the industry towards a sustainable future regionally and globally.

Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at SBA, applauded the vision of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi for her ongoing support to the publishing industry in the UAE. She emphasized that Onshur is more than a program; it is a movement designed to nurture and empower the next generation of publishers, providing them with the tools, resources, and networks necessary to excel in this rapidly evolving landscape.

The Launch Track, sponsored by the Sharjah Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (SCCI), serves as an entry point for new publishers by providing them with essential industry knowledge, business acumen, and networking opportunities. The event concluded with a series of panel discussions led by prominent figures in the Arab publishing industry and served as an invaluable opportunity for the graduates to network with leading voices and established professionals.