The Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur), founded by Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), has proudly announced the winners of its first ‘Launch’ cohort. This milestone marks the completion of an extensive training programme aimed at equipping new and aspiring publishers with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the industry.
The multi-month programme brought together 20 participants for intensive training and mentorship. The journey culminated in final project presentations evaluated by an expert panel based on innovation, business model strength, financial feasibility, growth strategies, and effective use of grant funding.
The esteemed panel of judges featured industry leaders, including Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA; Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association; Abdulrazzaq Al Sharif, Director of Business Development at Kalimat Group; Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at SBA; Tamer Said, Director of the Sharjah Literary Agency; Khawla Al Mujaini, Director of Events at SBA; Fadel Hussein, Director of SBA’s Eastern Region Office; Maryam Al Qasab, Director of SBA’s CEO office; and Mansour Al Hassani, Director of SBA’s Publishing Services.
“We are deeply proud to launch this pioneering programme for new and emerging publishers,” said Al Ameri. “The dedication and creativity shown by the participants have affirmed our belief in their potential to lead a transformative shift in the publishing landscape. We remain committed to supporting these talents and advancing the industry in the UAE and the region.”
Five outstanding participants were recognized for their innovative ideas and business models: Maryam Thani Al Falasi, Dalal Hussein Al Jaberi, Shatha Nasser, Fatema Hussein Al Hammadi, and Asmaa Abd El-Hafeez Emara. Each winner will receive a comprehensive support package, including financial grants, business licenses, office space at Sharjah Publishing City, membership in the Emirates Publishers Association, contracts with the Sharjah Literary Agency, participation opportunities in international book fairs, access to the Menassa distribution platform, and grants from the Sharjah International Book Fair’s Translation and Rights Fund. Additional benefits include social media brand promotion, discounted printing services through Lightning Source Sharjah, and networking with industry experts.
Al Ameri confirmed that the participants who did not receive a grant would still benefit from significant support under Bodour Al Qasimi’s direction. This includes a subsidised one-year business license, access to co-working spaces at Sharjah Publishing City, membership in the Emirates Publishers Association, discounted printing services, and opportunities to network with industry leaders and participate in selected international book fairs. These measures underscore Onshur’s dedication to fostering new talent and cultivating a robust and dynamic local publishing scene.
