In a major move for the UAE’s publishing industry, the Sharjah Literary Agency (SLA) and the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) have announced a strategic partnership to empower emerging publishers and expand their global reach.
Through this partnership, SLA will collaborate closely with Onshur graduates, acting as their literary agents to facilitate the acquisition of translation rights for publishing. This collaboration demonstrates SLA’s commitment to empowering this key industry and providing professionals with opportunities to thrive in the publishing sector.
Rooted in the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the fund represents an AED 10 million investment and embodies His Highness’s commitment to a knowledge-driven economy and the transformative power of books in shaping cultures and preserving heritage.
Tamer Said, Director of SLA, said: “By serving as literary agents for Onshur graduates through our partnership, we will help these publishers secure translation rights and also provide comprehensive support throughout the entire process, from acquiring publishing rights to the successful publication of their book. Our joint efforts have enabled two Onshur graduates to secure translation rights for five books and assist 10 graduates in translating ten new works. Additionally, graduates have applied for support, and we are in the process of assisting them. We look forward to empowering publishers to expand their global reach and make a meaningful impact on the literary world.”
Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at SBA, said: “While we equip our publishers with comprehensive training to thrive in the market, translation rights often require specialised expertise and global connections within the publishing industry. This collaboration with SLA will offer our Onshur graduates the additional support they need, particularly those aspiring to enter the translation rights sector of the book industry. Together, we can help them navigate this specialised field with the guidance of a professional literary agency with a global reach.”
Spearheaded by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Book Authority, Onshur represents a strategic response to the publishing industry’s evolving needs. Launched in 2024, the fund operates through three core tracks: Launch, Scale, and Disrupt, each designed to support publishers at different stages of their journey.
The Launch track, which began in October 2024, selected 26 participants from 140 applicants for an intensive training program, providing them with essential resources and industry knowledge. The Scale track, designed for established publishers with 5-10 years of operations and 50-150 titles, focuses on business expansion and market growth. It offers training in areas such as process optimisation, sustainable growth frameworks, and international market positioning. This comprehensive approach ensures support for publishers at various stages of development, from newcomers to those ready for significant expansion.
SLA, established by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) in 2021, aims to boost the regional Arabic publishing market and promote Arabic literary and cultural content globally. SLA facilitates communication between publishers, authors, translators, and creatives while discovering young talents and helping them overcome challenges in establishing a regional and international presence.
