New delhi: Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) concluded its participation in the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, which took place from January 10th to 18th at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
According to Emirates News Agency, the participation was part of the Authority's vision to enhance Sharjah's presence on the global cultural stage and to broaden avenues of collaboration with international publishing markets, particularly the Indian market. During the event, SBA conducted a series of professional meetings with Indian publishing houses and cultural institutions, aiming to introduce Sharjah's ecosystem that supports the publishing industry and the creative sectors in the UAE and the region. The engagements also sought to leverage international cultural initiatives and events organized by the Emirate throughout the year.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, emphasized that Sharjah views international book fairs as opportunities for establishing sustainable knowledge partnerships, rather than mere display occasions. He highlighted that Sharjah's participation in New Delhi mirrors the UAE's commitment to expanding cultural cooperation with Asia and engaging with well-established publishing markets that have a rich civilizational heritage and growing global influence.
He further added that the Authority's involvement in the New Delhi World Book Fair aligns with a long-term cultural vision led by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This vision underscores the belief that books and the publishing industry are foundational in individual development and in fostering dialogue between civilizations.
SBA's meetings featured presentations on various initiatives and programs, including the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival and the Booksellers Conference, slated for next May. Discussions also spotlighted the NYU Publishing Executive Programme, organized with New York University and the American University of Sharjah, aimed at developing publishing professionals and strengthening leadership and knowledge expertise.
The Authority also highlighted the Sharjah International Book Fair as a leading platform for the publishing industry, alongside professional conferences such as the International Publishers Conference and the Sharjah Libraries Conference. These forums are crucial for exchanging expertise and addressing international publishing sector challenges.
SBA affirmed that this comprehensive ecosystem has solidified Sharjah's role as a global platform for cultural dialogue and as an active hub for book and knowledge professionals. It supports the development of sustainable partnerships between publishers and cultural institutions globally.
In a related note, SBA presented opportunities at the Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone, a leading free zone specialized in publishing. The Authority showcased the city's supportive ecosystem for business establishment and expansion, regulatory frameworks, and ease of launching operations, alongside advanced infrastructure and investment opportunities for publisher growth and market access.
During the fair, SPC announced a special offer for Indian publishers, reflecting Sharjah's commitment to fostering long-term partnerships with Asian publishing markets and encouraging publishers to use Sharjah as a regional base, thus integrating the Arab and Indian publishing landscapes.
The Sharjah pavilion attracted significant visitor interest, with audiences exploring publications by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and titles from Kalimat Group and other entities under the SBA pavilion, indicating the Indian public's growing interest in Arabic literature and Sharjah-originated publishing initiatives.
The New Delhi World Book Fair, organized by the National Book Trust under India's Ministry of Education in partnership with the India Trade Promotion Organisation, stands as one of the largest book fairs globally, offering a platform for literary exchange, publishing industry advancement, and cultural dialogue.