Sharjah draws attention at New Delhi Book Fair

Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) concluded its participation in the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026, that took place from Jan.10 to 18 at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

During the fair, the city also announced a special offer for Indian publishers, reflecting Sharjah’s commitment to building long-term partnerships with Asian publishing markets and encouraging publishers to adopt Sharjah as a regional base for their operations, thereby strengthening integration between the Arab and Indian publishing landscapes.

The Sharjah pavilion recorded strong visitor interest throughout the fair, with audiences exploring publications by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, alongside titles issued by Kalimat Group and a number of cultural entities participating under the Sharjah Book Authority pavilion. This turnout reflected the Indian public’s growing interest in Arabic literature and publishing initiatives originating from Sharjah.

During its participation in the fair, SBA held a series of professional meetings with Indian publishing houses and cultural and knowledge institutions.

Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: “Sharjah views international book fairs as platforms for establishing sustainable knowledge partnerships, not merely occasions for display.”

He noted that Sharjah’s presence in New Delhi reflects the Emirate’s and the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to expanding cultural cooperation with Asia.

He added: “The Authority’s participation in the New Delhi World Book Fair comes within a long-term cultural vision led by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which is grounded in the belief that books and the publishing industry are fundamental pillars in building the individual and strengthening dialogue between civilisations.”

Al Ameri affirmed that Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Sharjah Book Authority, has worked to consolidate Sharjah’s position as a global platform for cultural dialogue and book publishing.

The Authority’s meetings at the fair included presentations on a range of initiatives and programmes led by SBA, including the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival and the Booksellers Conference, scheduled to be held next May. The discussions also highlighted the NYU Publishing Executive Programme, organised by the Authority in cooperation with New York University in the United States of America and the American University of Sharjah.

The Authority also spotlighted the Sharjah International Book Fair as one of the world’s leading platforms for the publishing industry.

In a related context, Sharjah Book Authority presented the opportunities offered by Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone, recognised as one of the world’s leading free zones specialised in the publishing industry. The Authority showcased to international publishers, particularly Indian publishers, the city’s integrated ecosystem for supporting business establishment and expansion.