Sharjah: Bodour Al Qasimi inaugurates 4th Sharjah International Booksellers

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), officially inaugurated the 4th edition of the Sharjah International Booksellers Conference on Monday, marking the beginning of a major global literary gathering focused on innovation, sustainability and cross-border collaboration.

Drawing over 750 booksellers, publishers and literary professionals from 92 countries, the two-day event is a strategic effort to solidify Sharjah’s growing reputation as a cultural powerhouse in the global publishing industry. Organised by the SBA, the conference seeks to tackle emerging challenges and opportunities reshaping the bookselling landscape, from digital transformation to the integration of artificial intelligence in book discovery.

“This conference is a testament to Sharjah’s commitment to supporting the global literary ecosystem through knowledge exchange and visionary leadership,” said Sheikha Bodour during the opening ceremony.

Participants are engaging in dynamic round-table discussions and panels addressing key issues such as adapting to digital disruption, improving global distribution networks, and adopting cutting-edge marketing techniques. A central focus this year is the role of AI in enhancing discoverability and reader engagement.

The event also features 60 interactive booths, providing publishers and distributors a dedicated space to network, showcase their titles and forge international business partnerships. These platforms are designed to foster collaboration and innovation across the global publishing value chain.

With its blend of insightful dialogue and strategic networking, the Sharjah International Booksellers Conference continues to serve as a vital hub for literary professionals seeking to shape the future of the book industry.