SBA explores ways to continue facilitating the growth and global expansion of Arab publishing

Furthering its mission to support and advance the region’s publishing sector, Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is conducting key discussions with publishers and Arab and foreign cultural officials to explore new ways to integrate the Emirati and Arab publishing markets more strongly with their global counterparts. As part of its participation at the ongoing Riyadh International Book Fair 2023, which carries the theme “An Inspiring Destination”, SBA is looking into ways local and regional industry players can collaborate with international brands specifically in the fields of translations, and audio and visual content creation.

During its participation in the international event organised by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Authority from September 28 – October 7 at King Saud University, SBA is highlighting its efforts to facilitate the development of the regional and global book industry, educating visitors about the many pioneering initiatives, awards and activities it has designed to support authors, translators, book distributors as well as readers.

The SBA pavilion welcomed distinguished visitors, including Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al Said, the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He was welcomed by Fadel Hussein Bussaim, Director of SBA in Sharjah’s eastern region, and presented with a copy of the book, History of the Nabhani Kings in Oman (1154-1622) by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad AlQasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

Throughout their participation, SBA will be holding meetings with regional and international publishers and cultural institutions to discuss industry realities and future opportunities. They are also exploring partnerships and opportunities to enrich Arab cultural and literary content and foster creativity and collaboration between Arab publishers and their global counterparts.

Commenting on the participation, Fadel Hussein Bussaim, Director of SBA in Sharjah’s eastern region, said, “Our presence at the Riyadh International Book Fair stems from our vision to build relationships and engage with all stakeholders in the book industry, including authors, translators, illustrators, and publishers. SBA spares no effort in identifying and addressing challenges to support the sector by advancing our initiatives and events and launching new programmes to ensure the continued growth of the book and cultural industries in the region and the world.”