Sharjah: Sharjah City will host the International Publishers Congress (IPC) 2028, one of the publishing industry's most influential global gatherings, bringing the world's leading publishers, authors, rights professionals and industry experts to Sharjah in October 2028 under the theme "Inclusion. Innovation. Integrity". The announcement was made during the official handover ceremony at the IPA 2026 Gala Dinner, held as part of the 35th International Publishers Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 5th to 9th July 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, sponsored by the Sharjah Book Authority, the Gala Dinner brought together approximately 500 delegates from across the international publishing community and provided the setting for Sharjah's official acceptance of the hosting rights for the 2028 Congress. The Emirates Publishers Association will host the Congress in close collaboration with the International Publishers Association.
The official handover took place following the IPA Awards Ceremony, when representatives of Kuala Lumpur formally announced Sharjah as the next host city before handing over the International Publishers Congress flag. H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association, then delivered the official acceptance speech, formally accepting the honour of hosting the International Publishers Congress 2028 on behalf of Sharjah and welcoming the global publishing community to the UAE.
H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi stated, 'Hosting the International Publishers Congress 2028 reflects the confidence that the global publishing community has placed in Sharjah and in the UAE as a meeting place for dialogue, collaboration and the free exchange of ideas. We look forward to welcoming publishers from around the world to a Congress that strengthens international partnerships, explores the opportunities shaping the future of publishing, and reaffirms our shared belief in the enduring power of books to connect cultures, expand knowledge and bring people together.'
Held every two years by the International Publishers Association (IPA), the Congress is the publishing industry's foremost international forum, bringing together publishers, authors, booksellers, rights professionals, policymakers and technology leaders to exchange ideas, address emerging challenges and explore the opportunities shaping the future of publishing.
IPA President Gvantsa Jobava expressed excitement about heading to Sharjah for the 36th International Publishers Congress, building on the success of the Congress in Kuala Lumpur, and further promoting pillars of copyright and the freedom to publish within the publishing sector. The EPA has been an engaged member of IPA, and anticipation is high for the upcoming event.
Sharjah's selection as host of the 2028 Congress reflects the international publishing community's confidence in the emirate's growing role as a global convener for the publishing industry, underpinned by its long-standing commitment to advancing culture, knowledge and international collaboration. Over the years, Sharjah has developed a comprehensive publishing ecosystem that supports every stage of the publishing value chain, from authorship and publishing to translation, rights trading and professional development.
This recognition underscores Sharjah's ability to convene diverse stakeholders from across the global publishing ecosystem and lead meaningful conversations on the future of the industry. Hosting the Congress marks a new milestone in Sharjah's global publishing journey and reinforces the UAE's position as an international destination for cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange.
The Congress is expected to create new opportunities across rights trading, translation, publishing services and international collaboration, further strengthening the UAE's role within the global knowledge economy. These opportunities are anticipated to extend beyond the Congress itself, fostering long-term professional exchange, industry partnerships and continued collaboration across the international publishing ecosystem.
Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, highlighted that hosting the International Publishers Congress 2028 in the UAE represents a defining moment for the country's publishing sector and reflects Sharjah's growing influence within the global publishing community. The Congress will provide Emirati publishers with exceptional opportunities to engage with international peers, strengthen rights exchange, expand translation partnerships and showcase the UAE's vibrant publishing landscape to the world.
Held under the theme "Inclusion. Innovation. Integrity," the 2028 Congress will explore the defining issues shaping the future of publishing in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world. The programme will feature a dynamic agenda of keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops and presentations addressing many of the issues shaping the industry's future.
The Emirates Publishers Association will play an active role in supporting the Congress by strengthening engagement between Emirati and international publishers, encouraging professional exchange and facilitating dialogue on publishing, translation, rights trading and emerging opportunities for international cooperation. By bringing the International Publishers Congress to Sharjah, the UAE reinforces its commitment to advancing publishing as a catalyst for knowledge, creativity and sustainable development.