Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) | هيئة الشارقة للكتاب

Background

Established in 2014 by an Emiri decree from His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is a governmental entity dedicated to promoting literature, publishing, and cultural exchange. SBA's mission is to foster a culture of reading and knowledge dissemination, positioning Sharjah as a global hub for the publishing industry. The authority oversees a range of initiatives, including book fairs, festivals, and the development of publishing infrastructure, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the literary landscape both regionally and internationally.

Key Strategic Focus

SBA's strategic objectives encompass:

Organizing Major Literary Events: Hosting the annual Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) and the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF) to promote reading and cultural exchange.

Developing Publishing Infrastructure: Establishing the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone), the world's first free zone dedicated to publishing and printing industries, offering a comprehensive ecosystem for businesses in the sector.

Supporting the Publishing Industry: Launching the Sharjah International Literary Agency (SILA) to facilitate communication among publishers, authors, translators, and creatives, ensuring the protection of their rights and promoting Arabic literary content globally.

Promoting Cultural Exchange: Engaging in international collaborations and participating in global book fairs to showcase Sharjah's cultural initiatives and foster partnerships within the global publishing community.

Financials and Funding

As a governmental entity, SBA is funded by the Government of Sharjah. Specific financial details, including funding history and allocation, are not publicly disclosed. The authority's initiatives are supported through government budgets, reflecting Sharjah's commitment to cultural development and the promotion of the publishing industry.

Pipeline Development

SBA's ongoing and upcoming initiatives include:

Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF): An annual 12-day event attracting over 2 million visitors, featuring thousands of publishers and a diverse range of cultural activities.

Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF): A yearly festival aimed at fostering a love for reading among children, offering workshops, readings, and interactive sessions.

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone): Continual development of infrastructure to support publishing and printing businesses, providing office spaces, warehouses, and licensing services.

Sharjah International Literary Agency (SILA): Ongoing efforts to represent Arab authors and publishers, facilitating the sale of publication rights and promoting Arabic literature on a global scale.

Technological Platform and Innovation

SBA leverages advanced technologies to enhance its services and initiatives:

Print-on-Demand Services: Through a joint venture with Ingram Content Group's Lightning Source LLC, SBA launched "Lightning Source Sharjah," the region's first large-scale print-on-demand operation, enabling publishers to meet consumer demand efficiently.

Digital Distribution: The authority's publishing and distribution arm utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and online sales platforms to streamline the global circulation of literary works from local and international authors.

Leadership Team

H.E. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi: Chairperson of SBA, appointed in May 2023. She is also the President of the American University of Sharjah and has held various leadership roles in the publishing industry, including past President of the International Publishers Association.

H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri: CEO of SBA, instrumental in establishing a global presence for the authority through initiatives designed to boost the Arab book industry and preserve Arab culture and language.

Marwa Al Aqroubi: Executive Director of the House of Wisdom and President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), contributing significantly to children's literature and reading promotion.

Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam: Board Member of SBA, Emirati poet, writer, and researcher with a focus on cultural heritage management.

Leadership Changes

In May 2023, H.E. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi was appointed Chairperson of SBA, succeeding H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, who continues to serve as the CEO. This leadership change reflects a strategic move to further enhance Sharjah's position in the global publishing industry.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) book market is valued at approximately $1 billion and is projected to triple by 2030. With a population of around 493 million, the region presents significant growth potential for the publishing industry.

Competitor Analysis

Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi): Organizes the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, focusing on promoting cultural exchange and the publishing industry.

Dubai Culture & Arts Authority: Hosts the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, aiming to foster a love for reading and literature in the region.

Cairo International Book Fair: One of the oldest and largest book fairs in the Arab world, attracting a vast number of publishers and visitors annually.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

SBA has established significant collaborations to strengthen its market position:

Lightning Source Sharjah: A joint venture with Ingram Content Group's Lightning Source LLC to launch the region's first large-scale print-on-demand operation.

Sharjah International Literary Agency (SILA): Launched to facilitate communication among publishers, authors, translators, and creatives, promoting Arabic literary content globally.

International Book Fairs: Active participation in global book fairs such as the Frankfurt Book Fair and the Amman International Book Fair to showcase Sharjah's cultural initiatives and foster international partnerships.

Operational Insights

SBA's strategic initiatives, such as the establishment of the SPC Free Zone and the launch of SILA, provide distinct competitive advantages by offering comprehensive support to the publishing industry. These efforts position Sharjah as a leading cultural hub, attracting publishers, authors, and literary professionals globally.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

SBA aims to:

Expand Global Reach: Strengthen international collaborations and participate in global literary events to promote Arabic literature and culture.

Enhance Publishing Infrastructure: Continue developing the SPC Free Zone to attract more publishing and printing businesses, providing state-of-the-art facilities and services.

Promote Digital Transformation: Leverage technology to enhance publishing and distribution processes, including expanding print-on-demand services and digital platforms.

Support Emerging Authors: Through initiatives like SILA, discover and promote young creative talents, providing them with the necessary support to establish a presence in the global literary scene.