Sharjah Book Authority Expands Global Cultural Cooperation At Delhi World Book Fair 2026

Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) closed its participation at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, held from 10 to 18 January at Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan. The Authority used the event to deepen Sharjah’s cultural links with India, promote its publishing ecosystem and explore fresh cooperation with international book and knowledge markets.

Across the nine-day fair, SBA organised professional meetings with Indian publishers and cultural institutions. Discussions presented Sharjah’s support structure for the publishing sector, its creative industries and its knowledge economy. Participants examined ways to link regional and global initiatives, while connecting with international cultural programmes hosted in Sharjah throughout the year.

SBA stated that these combined efforts have helped secure Sharjah’s role as a global meeting point for cultural dialogue. The Authority highlighted how its initiatives connect publishers, librarians and knowledge professionals, while encouraging long-term professional partnerships between industry stakeholders and cultural organisations across different continents.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, underlined the strategic nature of these activities. "Sharjah views international book fairs as platforms for establishing sustainable knowledge partnerships, not merely occasions for display." Al Ameri said Sharjah’s presence in New Delhi demonstrates the Emirate’s and the United Arab Emirates’ drive to widen cooperation with Asian publishing markets.

Al Ameri noted that the Indian book industry holds deep historical roots and growing international influence. SBA therefore sees engagement in New Delhi as a way to work with a market that combines a longstanding civilisational legacy with a strong role in shaping the global cultural landscape, especially in literature and education.

Al Ameri linked SBA’s participation to Sharjah’s wider cultural policy. "The Authority’s participation in the New Delhi World Book Fair comes within 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."

Under this vision, SBA uses international fairs to highlight programmes that develop publishing skills and leadership. At New Delhi, the Authority presented the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival and the Booksellers Conference, scheduled for May, as two key platforms aimed at professionals and readers from the region and beyond.

The Authority also discussed the NYU Publishing Executive Programme, which SBA organises with New York University in the United States of America and the American University of Sharjah. Delegates heard how the programme targets mid-career publishing professionals, building sector-specific management capabilities and knowledge-based leadership within regional and international publishing houses.

Sharjah International Book Fair featured strongly in SBA’s presentations to Indian and international participants. The Authority described the fair as a major global industry hub, supported by parallel professional events such as the International Publishers Conference and the Sharjah Libraries Conference, both serving as platforms to examine challenges and structural shifts affecting publishers worldwide.

Sharjah Book Authority and New Delhi World Book Fair business ecosystem

In parallel with the cultural agenda, SBA promoted Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone as a dedicated base for publishing-related companies. The Authority introduced SPC as one of the world’s leading free zones focused on publishing and media, outlining how it supports business establishment, regional expansion and flexible operational structures for firms of different sizes.

Briefings for Indian and international publishers covered SPC’s regulatory framework and commercial licensing processes. SBA stressed the streamlined procedures for company set-up, the ease of starting operations from the free zone and the availability of sector-focused services. Officials also pointed to transport links and infrastructure designed to help businesses reach regional and global markets.

During the fair, SPC announced a special offer targeted at Indian publishers. SBA said the initiative reflects Sharjah’s interest in long-term partnerships with Asian markets and encourages Indian companies to use Sharjah as a regional headquarters. The Authority noted that such arrangements can strengthen links between Arab and Indian publishing, including joint projects and rights exchanges.

Visitor traffic at the Sharjah pavilion remained strong throughout the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026. Attendees explored works by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and titles from Kalimat Group. Other cultural entities under the SBA umbrella also presented publications across different genres and age groups.

SBA observed that interest from Indian readers in Arabic literature and Sharjah-based initiatives has grown. Many visitors asked about translation projects, cross-language publishing possibilities and participation in upcoming Sharjah events. The Authority regarded this engagement as evidence of rising curiosity about Arab cultural output among India’s diverse readership.

The New Delhi World Book Fair is one of the largest public book fairs worldwide. It is organised by the National Book Trust, under the Ministry of Education of the Government of India, in cooperation with the India Trade Promotion Organisation. The fair acts as a key meeting point for literary exchange, publishing development and cultural dialogue between countries.

SBA’s participation in the 2026 edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair shows how Sharjah links cultural diplomacy with sector development. Through professional meetings, programme presentations and promotion of Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, the Authority reinforced Sharjah’s role as a partner for India’s publishing community and a regional platform for knowledge-focused collaboration.

With inputs from WAM