Sharjah:H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, addressed the guests and attendees of the 16th annual Sharjah International Publishers Conference, highlighting the resilience of the publishing industry through cross-border solidarity. Sheikha Bodour expressed optimism about the industry's future, noting that publishers have consistently adapted and reimagined their craft in response to challenges.
According to Emirates News Agency, the conference is organized by the Sharjah Book Authority and runs until November 3 at Expo Centre Sharjah. It involves 1,433 publishers from 126 countries and serves as a precursor to the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA; Gvantsa Jobava, President of the International Publishers Association; and Sanyu Dillon, President of the Random House Group at Penguin Random House in the US.
During the opening ceremony, Sheikha Bodour honored KlooBR for winning the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund's 'Disrupt Track'. KlooBR, which operates in Portugal and Brazil, offers innovative AI-powered solutions for the publishing industry. The Sharjah Book Authority will make a strategic investment to support KlooBR's establishment and growth in Sharjah.
Ahmed bin Saud Al Rawahi, Director of the Muscat International Book Fair, delivered the Sultanate of Oman's address, praising Sharjah's cultural significance. He discussed the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in publishing and highlighted the responsibilities it brings concerning creative authenticity and intellectual property. Al Rawahi also noted Oman's historical contributions to publishing and expressed pride in being the Guest of Honour at the Sharjah International Book Fair.
The conference included a keynote conversation between Sanyu Dillon and Nadia Wassef, focusing on the future of publishing and the importance of understanding readers' needs. Dillon emphasized the role of digital platforms and influencers in book marketing, citing the successful campaign for the novel Alchemized.
Throughout the first day, the conference featured 30 roundtables discussing various topics, including artificial intelligence applications, audiobook production, and international market expansion. The PublisHer Lounge programme offered workshops and mentoring sessions for women leaders in the publishing industry. The conference will continue with business-to-business meetings and Boardroom Exchange sessions, providing opportunities for participants to engage with industry leaders and explore new ideas.