Sharjah Publishers Conference: A Key Global Platform For Cultural Exchange In Publishing Industry

The 14th Sharjah Publishers Conference has been praised by attendees as a pivotal event in the global publishing industry. The conference, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority with the International Publishers Association, has facilitated significant achievements for publishers. They have expanded their reach by translating works into multiple languages and securing lucrative deals worldwide.

Running from 3-5 November, the event has successfully spotlighted Arabic culture, promoting publications that adhere to 'Arab cultural standards.' This international gathering has become a crucial platform for publishers to exchange ideas and forge partnerships. It highlights Sharjah's role in fostering cultural equity and advancing the publishing sector.

Muhammed Ağırakça, founder of Turkey’s Introtema Copyright and Translation Agency, emphasised the importance of attending this conference. "Attending this event is non-negotiable for us," he stated. "It’s a place of limitless possibilities unmatched by other global publishing events." His agency secured contracts for over 260 books in seven languages last year alone.

Ağırakça noted that Sharjah has initiated a 'reverse flow' in publishing, enabling Turkey and the Arab world to share their cultural heritage globally. "This movement creates an enriching balance in the cultural landscape," he added, highlighting Sharjah's unique contribution to cultural exchange.

Ahmed Al-Kilani, director of UAE-based House 101 Publishing and Distribution, views the conference as a vital incubator for start-ups aiming for global collaboration. "In today’s world, where cultural barriers are blurring, the event has been instrumental in helping us establish meaningful partnerships," Al-Kilani said.

Through strategic alliances with major publishing houses, his company secured international representation and translated UAE 101 into seven languages, including Turkish and Serbian. These partnerships have broadened their reach significantly.

Al-Kilani also gained insights into the global publishing scene through this conference. His company recently collaborated with a Georgian publisher to translate seven children's stories into Arabic. One story was inspired by an author's visit to Noor Island in Sharjah.

Building International Presence

Anna Lia, Director of Georgia’s Shemetsniba Publishing, expressed pride in how the conference transformed her business. "Our annual participation over the last seven years has been instrumental in building our presence in ten countries," she said. This includes Germany, Italy, Türkiye, and the UAE.

This long-standing relationship fostered an enriching exchange between Arabic and Georgian cultures. She added: "Shemetsniba has been fortunate and forged ties with the UAE-based Kalimat Group." Their mission aligns with delivering quality children’s educational materials featuring handcrafted illustrations.

Cultural Adaptation in Publishing

Mohammed Al-Khatib, General Manager of Digital Future Publishing in Lebanon and the UAE, highlighted the conference's value in connecting international publishers with Arab industry players directly. "Understanding the Arab market firsthand is invaluable," Al-Khatib noted.

This connection provides insights into titles that resonate locally and identifies demand drivers and opportunities that matter most. Al-Khatib observed a trend where international publishers increasingly adapt content to align with Arab cultural values at this conference.

"Sharjah has pioneered an approach guiding global publishers toward creating culturally attuned works," he said. This achievement underscores the conference's growing influence on shaping content that resonates deeply with Arab readers globally.

With inputs from WAM