Sharjah Book Authority Enhances SAC 2026 Through Strategic Visit To Japan

A delegation from the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), led by Khoula Al Mujaini, recently visited Japan. This trip is part of SBA's strategy to enhance the Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC) as a global platform for collaboration and growth in the animation industry across the MENA region. Since its start in 2023, SAC has become a significant event for regional talent and international industry leaders.

The delegation, including Khoula Al Mujaini, Pietro Pinetti, Artistic Director of SBA, and Moza Al Rand, Head of Events, engaged with major Japanese animation companies like Nippon Animation and Toei Animation. They also met with manga publishers Kodansha and Shogakukan, and entertainment groups such as Kadokawa Corporation. These meetings aimed to foster partnerships ahead of SAC 2026.

Discussions focused on developing content for Arab audiences while preserving Japan’s cultural heritage. The goal is to bring Japanese expertise to Sharjah and encourage long-term cultural exchange. "This visit to Japan is a critical part of our long-term commitment to SAC," said Khoula Al Mujaini. "We are building something far beyond an event; our vision is to create a sustainable, vibrant ecosystem for animation in Sharjah."

The delegation also explored educational partnerships with Wacom, a leader in digital drawing tools. Discussions included training programmes and workshops to provide young creatives in Sharjah access to world-class resources. This initiative aims to empower them to contribute significantly to the global animation industry.

Meetings with AlphaCode were held to explore integrating digital storytelling and immersive media into SAC’s offerings. This would enhance audience experiences through advanced technology. "Sharjah’s position as a strategic gateway for international creative industries has become increasingly evident," added Al Mujaini.

Sharjah offers Japanese media companies an ideal entry point into the Arab world due to its strong infrastructure and cultural commitment. SAC plays a crucial role in this effort, positioning the city as an essential player in the global creative sector.

The visit laid the groundwork for future collaborations that aim to enrich Sharjah’s creative ecosystem through knowledge transfer and partnerships. By connecting with global leaders in animation and technology, SBA ensures that SAC continues evolving as a platform for creative collaboration.

With inputs from WAM