SBA Approves 167 New Titles Under Publishing And Translation Support Programmes For 2025

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has approved 167 new titles for its publishing and translation support programmes in 2025. These titles were chosen from 2,478 submissions over four months. The selection includes 99 titles under the Translation Grant, 20 through the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur), and 48 directly supported by SBA. This initiative highlights Sharjah's dedication to promoting translation, publishing, and knowledge exchange between Arabic and other languages.

The Translation Grant was introduced by SBA in 2011 to aid publishers globally in translating notable books into various languages. It provides up to US$4,000 for general books and $1,500 for children’s books, with special grants reaching $250,000 for translations involving Arabic. Eligible works include novels, biographies, cookbooks, poetry, and children’s literature under copyright protection. Requirements include a formal translation contract and details of the translator.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, stated that under His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's leadership, "we believe that translation is a vital communication tool for connecting people and fostering understanding and being open to other cultures." This belief motivates their continued support for cultural content through specialised programmes like the Translation Grant.

The Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) aims to bolster the UAE's publishing industry by providing comprehensive support tailored to publishers’ needs. It focuses on sustainability and growth through three main tracks: Launch, Scale, and Disrupt. This fund enriches the UAE's cultural landscape by supporting publishers' development journeys.

Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publishing Services at SBA, remarked on the increased number of applications this year as evidence of global publishers' trust in their programmes. He noted it reflects recognition of the value they bring to translation and publishing sectors worldwide.

Commitment to Cultural Exchange

Under Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi's guidance as Chairperson of SBA, the authority is dedicated to expanding its support initiatives. These efforts celebrate significant literary works globally while promoting Arabic creativity internationally. The selected titles contribute to SBA’s achievements since 2011, raising approved titles to 2,405 across various fields and languages.

These initiatives are central to SBA’s strategy of supporting publishers, translators, and authors worldwide. They create an environment conducive to intellectual creativity while enhancing bilateral translation between Arabic and other languages. This effort expands Arabic literature's presence globally while offering readers diverse experiences in multiple languages.

The SBA's commitment ensures that exceptional cultural content reaches a global audience while making international achievements accessible to Arab readers in their native language.

With inputs from WAM