Madrid: The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has successfully concluded its inaugural participation in Readmagine 2025, a prominent European platform for innovation in the publishing sector, held in Madrid and organized by the Germ¡n S¡nchez Ruip©rez Foundation (FGSR). This event marked a significant milestone as Sharjah became the first Arab city to participate, underscoring its emerging status as a regional and global hub for publishing development and international collaboration.
According to Emirates News Agency, SBA took part 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 inaugural winners of the fund's launch track. In this session, Iman Ben Chaibah highlighted Sharjah's dedication to fostering a sustainable and resilient future for the publishing industry in the UAE and beyond. She introduced Onshur as a strategic initiative aimed at empowering publishers through three integrated tracks: launch, scale, and disrupt.
The fund was established to address the challenge of ensuring the continued strength and growth of the publishing sector over the long term. It offers a comprehensive framework of training, financial backing, and professional mentorship, equipping publishers to meet industry demands and grow their businesses effectively. Iman Ben Chaibah credited the vision of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, for shaping the fund's comprehensive framework. Onshur provides a fully integrated support system that combines professional guidance, targeted training, and access to a network of industry partners and specialists. It also offers practical resources such as trade licenses, co-working spaces, affordable printing services, and translation support.
Shatha Nasser shared her journey into the publishing world, explaining how the lack of translated Spanish novels for young Arab readers revealed a broader cultural gap. This realization became the driving force behind the launch of Kairos, a publishing initiative dedicated to translating classic literature from Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese into Arabic, thereby enriching the region's cultural landscape. She emphasized the pivotal role that Onshur played in her professional journey, providing mentorship, expertise, and industry connections that facilitated her entry into the publishing sector.
The session at Readmagine 2025 attracted significant engagement, sparking discussions on 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 appreciation for this innovative initiative, which supports publishers and promotes long-term sustainability in the book industry. Many also voiced hope that cultural institutions in other countries would adopt similar frameworks, recognizing the fund's success in empowering publishers and fostering a dynamic, innovation-driven publishing environment.