Sharjah: The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has set October 22nd to 25th as the dates for the fourth edition of the Sharjah Animation and Comics Conference (SACC), to be held at Aljada, Sharjah. Marking its significant expansion, the conference aims to unite animation and comics on a single platform, opening new opportunities for collaboration and project development among creators, publishers, and producers from the region and around the world.
According to Emirates News Agency, the expanded focus of the conference will extend participation to include writers, illustrators, and publishers alongside animators and producers, encouraging greater exchange across disciplines. The introduction of the Animation and Comics Market is designed to strengthen professional connections and partnerships across the industry.
The fourth edition will feature leading creators, experts, and specialists through a programme that combines industry knowledge with practical experience. Participants will have opportunities to develop their skills and projects, learn from diverse professional expertise, and explore the latest trends and practices in animation and comics.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, emphasized the region's talent capable of creating characters, stories, and visual worlds that can compete globally. He stated that SACC's expansion is focused on building an ecosystem that connects creativity with expertise, production, and the market. The goal is to help creators turn ideas into projects that can reach wider audiences and grow.
Al Ameri also highlighted Sharjah's vision, established by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, which recognizes investment in culture as an investment in people and their future. Under the guidance of H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the SBA aims to translate this vision into opportunities for creators and the cultural industries, helping creators connect with expertise, partners, and markets.
Khoula Al Mujaini, Executive Director of SACC, noted that the 2026 edition marks a new stage in the conference's journey, expanding opportunities for creators across visual storytelling. By bringing comics and animation under one identity, the conference widens the range of expertise, creating greater opportunities to exchange knowledge, develop projects, and build professional connections.
The conference will continue strengthening its role in supporting talent and empowering creators through a programme that combines training, showcases, professional networking, and knowledge exchange. It will feature advanced practical workshops, animation screenings, and panel discussions with leading international creators and experts, reinforcing Sharjah's position as a hub for the development of cultural and creative industries.
In May 2025, the third edition attracted more than 5,000 visitors from around the world and hosted over 70 international experts who explored the future of animation and the intersection of innovation, artificial intelligence, and human imagination.