Beijing: The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has concluded its participation in the 2026 Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF), which took place from June 17 to 21 at the China National Convention Centre. This participation was part of the UAE's Guest of Honour programme at the fair's 32nd edition, underscoring Sharjah's role in advancing Arab publishing and promoting cultural and knowledge exchange between the UAE and China.
According to Emirates News Agency, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, emphasized the importance of participating in the Beijing International Book Fair as part of the UAE's Guest of Honour programme. This reflects the strong cultural ties between the UAE and China. Al Ameri stated that through this platform, Emirati and Arab authors and publishers are being showcased, aligning with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. The initiative aims to reinforce Sharjah's role in supporting Arab culture and connecting it with audiences worldwide.
Al Ameri also highlighted the leadership of H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, in strengthening international engagement through a focus on knowledge investment and long-term partnerships. He noted that China, being a major force in digital publishing and intellectual property, offers valuable opportunities for collaboration. The SBA's presence at the fair aims to expand professional networks, deepen expertise, and open new avenues for cooperation between the publishing sectors of both countries.
The SBA further reinforced its presence at the fair through three panel discussions that explored Sharjah's publishing ecosystem. The discussions covered various aspects, including printing, distribution, rights management, and the role of literary agencies in supporting authors and publishers.
During a session titled 'Sharjah Publishing City: A Global Platform for Publishing Industry Development,' Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of Sharjah Publishing City, and Shi Yang (Hefa), Director of Outar Publications, discussed how the city aids publishers' international expansion through services such as print-on-demand and global distribution. Karima Al Azizi, Head of the International Relations Division at the Sharjah Book Authority, moderated the session.
In another session, "Buying and Selling International Copyright: From Strategy to Negotiation and Signing," Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at SBA, spoke with Tamer Said, Director of the Sharjah Literary Agency, about international rights trading. The session covered market selection, negotiations, and contracting. Tamer Said also joined Dr. Basma Younes, cultural advisor to the Ministry of Culture and Youth, for a discussion on the role of literary agencies in the Arab world.
