Sharjah Strengthens Global Publishing Landscape as Host of International Publishers Congress 2028
The International Publishers Association (IPA) has officially designated Sharjah as the host city for the 2028 International Publishers Congress. The announcement was made during the IPA Awards Ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, where the Congress flag was ceremoniously handed over. H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association, accepted the honor on behalf of Sharjah, extending a warm welcome to the global publishing community.
Significance of Hosting the Congress
H.H. Sheikha Bodour emphasized that hosting the Congress signifies the trust the global publishing community has in Sharjah and the United Arab Emirates as a hub for dialogue and collaboration. She expressed anticipation for a Congress that will not only strengthen international partnerships but also explore future opportunities in publishing. The event aims to reaffirm the belief in the power of books to connect cultures and expand knowledge.
The International Publishers Congress, held biennially, serves as a premier forum for the publishing industry. It gathers publishers, authors, booksellers, rights professionals, policymakers, and technology leaders to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in the sector.
Global Publishing Community’s Confidence in Sharjah
IPA President Gvantsa Jobava expressed excitement about the upcoming Congress in Sharjah, highlighting the opportunity to build on the successes of previous events. She noted the Emirates Publishers Association’s active engagement within the IPA, underscoring the collaborative spirit that will characterize the 2028 Congress.
Sharjah’s selection as the host city reflects the international publishing community’s recognition of the emirate’s evolving role as a global convenor. Over the years, Sharjah has cultivated a comprehensive publishing ecosystem that supports various stages of the publishing value chain, from authorship to rights trading and professional development.
A Milestone for the UAE’s Cultural Landscape
The Congress marks a significant milestone in Sharjah’s journey within the global publishing landscape. It reinforces the UAE’s status as a destination for cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange. The event is expected to attract decision-makers and industry leaders, fostering professional networking and sustainable partnerships that will contribute to the sector’s growth.
The Congress will also create new opportunities in rights trading, translation, and publishing services, further enhancing the UAE’s role in the global knowledge economy. The theme for the 2028 Congress, “Inclusion. Innovation. Integrity.”, will guide discussions on the pressing issues shaping the future of publishing in a technology-driven world.
Focus Areas of the Congress
H.E. Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, remarked that hosting the Congress is a pivotal moment for the UAE’s publishing sector. He highlighted the exceptional opportunities it will provide for Emirati publishers to engage with international peers, strengthen rights exchange, and showcase the UAE’s vibrant publishing landscape.
The Congress will focus on three key pillars:
Inclusion: This pillar aims to advance inclusive publishing by promoting representation and improving accessibility. It will explore how publishing can enhance cross-cultural understanding while ensuring stories resonate locally and reach global audiences.
Innovation: This area will examine creative and technological solutions that support sustainable publishing and emerging business models. Discussions will include the role of digital transformation and artificial intelligence in creating new opportunities across the publishing value chain.
Integrity: This pillar will emphasize the importance of ethical standards in publishing, strengthening trust, and safeguarding intellectual property in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Comprehensive Agenda for Industry Dialogue
The Congress program will feature a dynamic agenda, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and presentations. Topics will encompass inclusive publishing, accessible book design, AI-driven workflows, localization strategies, and ethical frameworks for artificial intelligence.
Designed in alignment with the IPA’s strategic priorities, the program aims to create an international platform for dialogue and cooperation within the global publishing community. It will also provide opportunities for exploring new approaches to rights trading, translation, and sustainable business growth.
The Emirates Publishers Association will actively support the Congress by fostering engagement between Emirati and international publishers, encouraging professional exchange, and facilitating dialogue on emerging opportunities for international cooperation.
By hosting the International Publishers Congress, the UAE reinforces its commitment to advancing publishing as a catalyst for knowledge and creativity. The event will not only convene the global publishing community but also address opportunities shaping the future of the industry, solidifying Sharjah’s position as a leading center for culture and intellectual exchange.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-07-10 16:13:00 • By the Editorial Desk
