Latest news with #Onshur
Sharjah 24
7 hours ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah debuts at Readmagine 2025
During the international event, SBA participated in a session titled "Empowering Emirati publishers through the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur)", featuring Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of strategic initiatives and global markets at SBA, alongside Shatha Nasser, founder of Kairos Publishing House and one of the winners in the fund's inaugural launch track. Onshur draws global interest as a blueprint for sustainability In the session, Iman Ben Chaibah reaffirmed Sharjah's commitment to shaping a sustainable and resilient future for the publishing industry in the UAE and the wider region. She introduced Onshur as a strategic initiative designed to empower publishers through three integrated tracks: launch, scale and disrupt. 'The fund was established to address a fundamental challenge: how to ensure the continued strength and growth of the publishing sector over the long term. It responds to this need by offering a well-rounded framework of training, financial backing and professional mentorship, equipping publishers to tackle industry demands and grow their businesses with assurance and skill.' She went on to credit the vision of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, for shaping the fund's comprehensive framework. 'Onshur offers a fully integrated support system that combines professional guidance, targeted training and access to a network of industry partners and specialists. It also provides practical resources such as trade licences, co-working spaces, affordable printing services and translation support. We were encouraged by the strong international interest in the Onshur model during the event, and we have already scheduled several follow-up meetings to explore potential areas of collaboration.' Publishing with purpose For her part, Shatha Nasser shared her journey into publishing, explaining that a simple search for a Spanish novel to recommend to a young Arab reader highlighted a broader cultural gap. Many important literary works had yet to be translated into Arabic. She discovered that many significant literary works remained inaccessible in Arabic. This realisation became the driving force behind the launch of Kairos, a publishing initiative committed to translating classic literature from Spanish, Italian and Portuguese into Arabic, to broaden access to global literary heritage and enrich the region's cultural landscape. She went on to highlight the pivotal role that Onshur played in shaping her professional journey. 'The fund provided a comprehensive foundation of mentorship, expertise and industry connections that enabled my entry into the publishing sector. It offered practical knowledge across all stages of book production, from acquiring publishing rights to distribution. With the support of a grant, I was able to establish the publishing house and release titles. It was the true starting point for a locally rooted publishing house with an international outlook.' Sharjah's Onshur sparks global dialogue The session attracted one of the highest levels of engagement at Readmagine 2025, sparking in-depth discussions around the structure of the Onshur Fund and the potential for replicating its model in other markets. Participants praised the leadership of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi and expressed their appreciation for this forward-thinking initiative, describing it as a compelling example of how to support publishers and promote long-term sustainability in the book industry. Many also voiced their hope that cultural institutions in other countries would consider adopting similar frameworks, recognising the fund's proven success in empowering publishers and fostering a dynamic, innovation-driven publishing environment.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Onshur marks major milestone with graduation of Scale Track cohort
Sharjah, Under the patronage and in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of its 2025 Scale Track at SBA's headquarters. The programme is designed to support established publishers in the UAE in scaling their operations through sustainable and strategic growth. The ceremony honoured twelve publishers who completed the intensive training course. The event was attended by His Excellency H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, and H.E. Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, as well as programme partners, experts, trainers, and representatives from local and Arab media. The twelve graduating publishers were selected from a pool of 62 applicants who met rigorous eligibility criteria. These included a demonstrated track record of producing high-quality cultural content and a well-defined strategic vision for expansion aligned with global publishing developments. The graduating cohort comprised Ajyal Publishing, Ghaf Publications, Sidra Publishing and Distribution, Loaloa Publishing and Distribution, Kalman Publishing and Distribution, Nabatti Publishing, Shaheen Printing Publishing and Distribution, Dar Al-Farqad, Dar Shams Publishing, Dar Al Fikr Al Jadeed, Dar Al Bayan Al Arabi, and Noor Publishing. Driving tangible progress for Emirati and Arab publishers Commenting on the occasion, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, emphasised the importance of empowering UAE publishers to grow and innovate within a sustainable framework. She stated: 'The Scale Track reflects our vision of enabling publishers to move beyond survival, towards a future defined by excellence, creativity, and leadership in enriching the Arab publishing landscape both locally and globally.' She continued: 'I am proud of this cohort, who have shown a remarkable capacity for learning, growth, and openness to new experiences. I believe they are now equipped with the tools and insights needed to build more resilient and adaptable business models. While they represent the current state of Arab publishing, they are equally poised to shape its global future, fuelled by ambition, determination, and a genuine passion for the written word.' Revitalising the future of Arab literature H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: 'What distinguishes these publishers is their clear ambition to grow and their willingness to embrace new tools and ideas that can propel their businesses forward. Their participation in the Scale Track represents a strategic blueprint for the regional publishing sector's expansion, firmly rooted in innovation and sustainability. This vision is inspired by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi's commitment to cultivating a network of publishers equipped to compete on both regional and global stages, driving a renewed momentum for Arab literature and culture.' Turning vision into actionable success For his part, H.E. Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, congratulated the graduates and commended their commitment to transforming ambition into tangible results. He said: 'We extend our congratulations to this exceptional cohort, who have exemplified what it means to turn vision into reality. The Scale Track has provided participants with critical skills enabling them to thrive in both local and international markets amid a rapidly evolving publishing landscape.' Laying the foundations for strategic publishing growth The ceremony opened with a keynote speech by Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at SBA. She highlighted that Onshur is reshaping how support is delivered to publishers by offering a comprehensive strategic framework that fosters long-term, sustainable growth. 'The Scale Track has surpassed the boundaries of traditional training,' she said. 'It has established a professional platform dedicated to enhancing publishers' operational capabilities and deepening their industry expertise.' Unlocking sustained expansion through targeted support Following the directives of Sheikha Bodour, graduates of the Scale Track benefit from a robust package of post-programme support. This includes one year of professional accounting services to ensure compliance, guidance in applying for the Sharjah International Translation Grant, onboarding to Ingram's global distribution network, access to business loans secured against publishing contracts, specialised advisory sessions, and priority access to upcoming Onshur initiatives. These measures are designed to help publishers shift from operational stability to strategic and sustainable expansion.
Gulf Today
02-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sharjah Book Authority, Invest bank tie up on children's storybook
As part of its continued efforts to promote cultural awareness among young people, the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has signed a partnership with Invest bank to develop a children's storybook focused on financial literacy. The initiative is a collaboration with the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur), a key SBA programme that supports sustainable publishing in the UAE. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 16th Sharjah Children's Reading Festival by Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives at SBA, and Humaida Al Khalsan, Head of Corporate Affairs and Marketing at Invest bank, in the presence of Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, and Edris Al Rafi, CEO of Invest bank. Through this partnership, Invest bank will sponsor the production of a storybook for children aged eight and above, introducing key financial concepts in a simple and engaging way. The book will be launched at the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair, in collaboration with a UAE-based publisher who graduated from the Onshur programme. Commenting on the partnership, Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: 'This partnership reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to bolster the role of books in human development and to cultivate content that fosters awareness from an early age. The authority remains committed to developing initiatives that embed books into the fabric of children's daily lives. By providing young readers with the tools to ignite their curiosity, expand their imagination, and deepen their understanding, we shape a future generation that is informed, inspired and imaginative. Through this collaboration, we offer an enriching reading experience that speaks to the realities of children's lives while seamlessly blending fun with meaning, and language with creativity." Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri added: 'We believe that human development begins in childhood, and that financial literacy is an essential part of that foundation, no less important than reading or general knowledge. This partnership reflects SBA's commitment to realising the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to empower future generations through books and knowledge. Our collaboration with Invest bank aims to offer a creative model that combines culture and economic awareness in a format that resonates with both children and the wider community.' On his part, Edris Al Rafi, CEO of Invest bank, said: 'We are proud to partner with SBA on an initiative that introduces children to the fundamentals of financial literacy in an innovative and engaging way. Equipping young people with financial skills from an early age is not a luxury, but a necessity for building a more informed and sustainable society. At Invest bank, we believe that real investment begins with the child, and that combining financial knowledge with creativity and imagination lays the foundation for a generation capable of making smart, responsible financial decisions.' Onshur, established under the directives of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, is a flagship initiative that reflects Sharjah's commitment to building a knowledge-based economy and supporting the growth of emerging publishers. Launched by SBA in collaboration with the Emirates Publishers Association and the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, the fund is designed to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the publishing sector. It offers three development tracks — Launch, Scale, and Disrupt — tailored to support publishers at different stages of their professional journey.
Zawya
02-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sharjah Book Authority, Invest Bank partner to bring financial literacy to children
The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has signed a partnership with Invest Bank to produce a children's storybook on financial literacy, as part of its efforts to promote cultural and educational awareness among young readers. The initiative is supported by the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur), which champions sustainable publishing in the UAE. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 16th Sharjah Children's Reading Festival by Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives at SBA, and Humaida Al Khalsan, Head of Corporate Affairs and Marketing at Invest Bank, in the presence of SBA CEO Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri and Invest Bank CEO Edris Al Rafi. Targeting children aged eight and above, the storybook will introduce key financial concepts in a simplified, engaging format. It is set to launch at the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair and will be published by a UAE-based publisher who graduated from the Onshur programme. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri said the initiative aligns with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to foster human development through books. 'Financial literacy is just as important as reading and general knowledge. Through this collaboration, we present a model that combines culture and economic awareness in a format that resonates with children and families,' he said. Edris Al Rafi added, 'Investing in financial education from an early age is essential for building a more informed society. This partnership allows us to introduce children to financial principles through storytelling, creativity and imagination.' Onshur, launched by SBA under the directives of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, supports emerging publishers through development tracks designed to build a resilient, knowledge-driven publishing ecosystem in Sharjah.
Al Etihad
21-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund announces participants for 'Scale' track
21 Apr 2025 08:58 SHARJAH (WAM) The Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) has announced the participants for its 2025 "Scale" track. Thirteen publishing houses were selected from 62 applicants who met the programme's rigorous criteria, including a proven track record in publishing diverse and culturally impactful works and a clear commitment to expanding their operations through sustainable growth selected publishers will start a four-weeks intensive programme starting in Scale track cohort reflects notable diversity, with women making up 60 percent of participants and men 40 percent. Emiratis form the largest group at 40 percent, followed by 13 percent each from Egypt and Syria. The remaining participants come from Australia at six percent, Eritrea, Jordan, Canada and Lebanon, each representing seven percent of the taking part in the Scale track include: Ajyal, Sidra Publishing and Distribution, Kalaman for Distribution and Publishing, Ghaf Publications, Nabati Publishing, Dar Al Bayan Al Arabi, Dar Al Furat Publishing, Dar Al Fikr Al Jadeed, Shams Publishing, The Dream Work Collective, Shaheen Printing, Publishing and Distribution, Loaloa Publishing and Distribution, and Al Noor upcoming track offers participants an interactive learning journey to equip them with practical tools and effective strategies for scaling up their local and international curriculum covers specialised training sessions focused on business model development, digital marketing strategies, data management, and the use of modern technologies to enhance reader programme also includes networking opportunities with senior international publishers and experts, helping participants strengthen their presence in global markets and build strong publishing brands. The evaluation committee featured a distinguished group of cultural and publishing leaders, including Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority.
