Latest news with #SharjahPublishingSustainabilityFund
Sharjah 24
3 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.
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.
Gulf Today
20-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Onshur selects 13 publishing houses from 62 applicants for its 2025 ‘Scale' track
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 strategies. The selected publishers will start a 4-week intensive programme starting in May. The Scale track cohort reflects notable diversity, with women making up 60% of participants and men 40%. 54% are 30–39, 33% are 40–49, and another 13% are 50 or older. Emiratis form the largest group at 40%, followed by 13% each from Egypt and Syria. The remaining participants come from Australia at 6%, Eritrea, Jordan, Canada and Lebanon, each representing 7% of the total. Publishers 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 Publishing. Practical tools The upcoming track offers participants an interactive learning journey to equip them with practical tools and effective strategies for scaling up their local and international operations. The curriculum covers specialised training sessions focused on business model development, digital marketing strategies, data management, and the use of modern technologies to enhance reader reach. The programme also includes networking opportunities with senior international publishers and experts, helping participants strengthen their presence in global markets and build strong publishing brands. Evaluation committee The evaluation committee featured a distinguished group of cultural and publishing leaders, including Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority; Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association; Abdul Razzaq Al Sharif, Director of Business Development at Kalimat Group; Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at SBA; Tamer Saeed, Director of the Sharjah Literary Agency; Khawla Al Mujaini, Director of Events at SBA; Fadel Hussein Bussaim, Director of the SBA in Sharjah's eastern region; Mariam AlQassab, Director of SBA's CEO Office; and Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publisher Services at SBA. Advanced tools to understand market trends Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: 'His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, firmly believes in the role of knowledge and books in human development and sustainable progress. In line with this vision, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi emphasises that success in today's rapidly evolving publishing world requires more than good content. Publishers must have advanced tools to understand market trends, effective distribution strategies, and modern marketing techniques. The Scale programme, therefore, is rooted in practical experience and direct engagement with industry experts, ensuring that publishers can achieve sustainable growth and access new markets.' Empowering publishers Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of Emirates Publishers Association stated that the Scale track represents a strategic milestone that enables publishers to turn their aspirations into tangible growth plans and equips them with practical tools to build a thriving future in the publishing industry. He said: 'At the Emirates Publishers Association, we believe that empowering local and Arab publishers through such high-impact initiatives is a direct investment in the future of knowledge and culture in our region. Supporting publishers on their growth journeys not only advances their individual businesses but also contributes to building a competitive publishing ecosystem across the UAE and the Arab world. "We remain committed to working with our partners to create sustainable opportunities that open new horizons for publishers — reinforcing the UAE's position as a leading regional and global publishing hub.' Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at SBA, said: 'The Scale track's training sessions focus on empowering publishers and supporting their growth, through specialised modules on B2B, international translation rights management, financial management, publishing and business model development, effective distribution and inventory management, and leveraging digital publishing technologies. The aim is to familiarise publishers with global best practices, enhancing their readiness to compete in international markets.' The Scale track builds on the success of the Launch track, which saw 20 publishers graduate from a pool of 140 candidates. Participants received specialised training and financial grants contributing to tangible business growth within the publishing sector.
Gulf Today
31-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
EPA sponsors 4 young publishers at 2 book fairs
The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) continues to support and nurture the new generation of Emirati publishers, enabling them to represent the UAE at key international cultural forums and gain exposure to global best practices in the publishing industry. As part of this commitment, EPA has sponsored four graduates from the launch track of the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) to participate in the London Book Fair and the Bologna Children's Book Fair, reinforcing its ongoing partnership with the programme to develop national expertise in the publishing sector. This initiative provides young Emirati publishers with direct field experience from some of the world's leading publishing houses, fostering their professional growth and expanding their industry networks. By engaging with prominent publishers and key players on a global scale, the young publishers gain invaluable insights that contribute to their career advancement, enriching the UAE's cultural landscape. The fair offers a unique opportunity for Emirati publishers to forge new partnerships with international counterparts. WAM EPA is participating in the Bologna Children's Book Fair, taking place from March 31 to April 3, 2025, where it has sponsored the participation of Fatema AlHammadi - Sohub Publishing & Distribution, a publishing house specialising in educational books for children with autism and inspiring stories for people of determination, as well as Dalal Al Jabri - Hzaya Personalised Books, which focuses on interactive and personalised children's literature. Additionally, EPA took part in the 51st edition of the London Book Fair, which concluded on March 13, 2025, supporting the participation of Shatha Nasser - Kairos Publishing, dedicated to translating classical literary works into Arabic, and Maryam Thani AlFalasi - Ghaim Publishing, which specialises in translated literature from Asian languages and seeks to enrich Arabic literature with diverse and inspiring narratives. Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, 'At the Emirates Publishers Association, we firmly believe that integrating young publishers into major international events is a strategic investment towards the future of the UAE publishing industry. These participations provide publishers with valuable insights into the dynamics of the global publishing market, introducing them to the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of the industry. This facilitates knowledge-sharing and cultural collaborations with publishers and creatives from around the world, reinforcing the status of Emirati publishers as active contributors to the global cultural landscape.'
Mid East Info
28-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Emirates Publishers Association Sponsors Young Emirati Publishers at London and Bologna Book Fairs - Middle East Business News and Information
The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) continues to support and nurture the new generation of Emirati publishers, enabling them to represent the UAE at key international cultural forums and gain exposure to global best practices in the publishing industry. As part of this commitment, EPA has sponsored four graduates from the launch track of the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) to participate in the London Book Fair and the Bologna Children's Book Fair, reinforcing its ongoing partnership with the programme to develop national expertise in the publishing sector. This initiative provides young Emirati publishers with direct field experience from some of the world's leading publishing houses, fostering their professional growth and expanding their industry networks. By engaging with prominent publishers and key players on a global scale, the young publishers gain invaluable insights that contribute to their career advancement, enriching the UAE's cultural landscape. EPA is participating in the Bologna Children's Book Fair, taking place from 31 March to 3 April 2025, where it has sponsored the participation of Fatema AlHammadi – Sohub Publishing & Distribution, a publishing house specialising in educational books for children with autism and inspiring stories for people of determination, as well as Dalal Al Jabri – Hzaya Personalised Books, which focuses on interactive and personalised children's literature. Additionally, EPA took part in the 51st edition of the London Book Fair, which concluded on 13 March 2025, supporting the participation of Shatha Nasser – Kairos Publishing, dedicated to translating classical literary works into Arabic, and Maryam Thani AlFalasi – Ghaim Publishing, which specialises in translated literature from Asian languages and seeks to enrich Arabic literature with diverse and inspiring narratives. His Excellency Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating: 'At the Emirates Publishers Association, we firmly believe that integrating young publishers into major international events is a strategic investment towards the future of the UAE publishing industry. These participations provide publishers with valuable insights into the dynamics of the global publishing market, introducing them to the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of the industry. This facilitates knowledge-sharing and cultural collaborations with publishers and creatives from around the world, reinforcing the status of Emirati publishers as active contributors to the global cultural landscape.' He added: 'Through these initiatives, we aim to cultivate an environment that encourages young talent to innovate and develop high-quality publishing projects with international reach. Expanding the presence of Arabic books in global markets remains a priority, and such engagements present valuable opportunities for strategic partnerships that foster translation and cross-cultural exchange. These efforts ultimately amplify the voices of Emirati and Arab creatives on the global stage, reflecting the UAE's vision of establishing itself as a key regional and international hub for publishing.' For her part, Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at the Sharjah Book Authority, stated: 'The selected winners of the Onshur programme have demonstrated great potential to grow as publishers, benefitting from the knowledge and supportive resources provided to them. Offering them the opportunity to attend international book fairs will accelerate their professional development and enhance their ability to produce distinguished books that contribute to the publishing scene in the UAE. This initiative is part of the shared vision of the Emirates Publishers Association and the Sharjah Book Authority through the Onshur Fund, led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority and Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association. The participating publishers expressed their deep appreciation for EPA's continuous support, extending their sincere gratitude to the association for this valuable opportunity. They emphasised that attending such prestigious book fairs is a pivotal step in their professional journeys, empowering them to explore international best practices, establish connections with industry leaders, and leverage expertise that will contribute to the advancement of their publishing projects. They also stressed on the role of these experiences in strengthening the UAE's publishing sector and enhancing its global competitiveness.
