The Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshor), led by Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishing Association (EPA), is set to initiate the training programme under the ‘Launch’ track. This first phase of three aims to empower emerging publishers by providing them with crucial tools and insights for navigating the publishing world. Out of 140 applicants, 26 promising candidates were selected, marking a significant moment for both the UAE and the global publishing landscape.
Managed by the SBA in collaboration with the EPA and Sharjah Publishing City (SPC Free Zone), Onshor is a AED 10 million investment designed to advance the publishing industry in both the UAE and internationally. It comprises three key tracks: Launch, Scale, and Disrupt, each catering to publishers at different stages of their development.
The Launch track, sponsored by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), is the first step for aspiring publishers, offering them vital resources, industry knowledge, and guidance as they embark on their publishing journey.
Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi expressed her enthusiasm for the programme, stating: “It is inspiring to witness this first cohort of publishers begin their journey with the Onshor fund. This initiative will unlock new opportunities and voices in the publishing world, aligning with Sharjah’s mission to foster a thriving and sustainable ecosystem for creative talent. By equipping emerging publishers with the right tools, resources, and mentorship, we are laying the foundation for the long-term growth of the industry. I am confident that the impact of this initiative will extend beyond individual successes, contributing to the broader transformation of the publishing landscape in the UAE and beyond.”
From October 5 to November 4, participants will engage in intensive training sessions, covering key aspects of the publishing industry such as foundational knowledge, rights management, financial strategies, and business planning. Renowned industry experts will offer mentorship, while candidates will also benefit from invaluable networking opportunities. Topics covered include the fundamentals of publishing, copyright and contract management, editing processes, and financial planning.
The Onshor Fund’s Launch track selected 26 talented individuals from across the UAE and beyond, including: Maha Mussabeh, Hamdan Hamad Salem Alameri, Huda Alebri, Fakhrah Abdulla Eisa Dagher Alblooshi, Khulood Saeed Alhebsi, Salwa Abdulla Abdulmunem, Sarah Almarashi, Shatha Nasser, Maryan Thani Alfalasi, Najla Khamis Mohamed Alhosan Alshamsi, Mohammed Yousuf Zainal Hassan Abdulla, Fatima Ahmed Alkaabi, Fatema Husain Alhammadi, Moza Hamad Al-Ali, Nadeen Bakhos, Asmaa Abd El-Hafeez Mohammad Emara, Intelaq Mohammed Ali, Roudha Ghanem Ghanem Khalfan Al Marri, Hamda Ibrahim Alblooshi, Dalal Husain Aljaberi, Bodoor Hamad Salmeen Almahri, Asma Ibrahim Bin Kalban, Gihan Faisal, Ashraf Shawky Alrassoul, Mamoun Mohammed Abdulkareem Abelrahman, and Yuser Kamal Al-Abachi.
Each of these candidates has demonstrated a distinct passion for publishing, and through this programme, they will receive access to educational resources, industry insights, and financial support critical to a successful publishing venture.
The goal of the Launch track is to prepare participants to establish successful publishing ventures. They will also receive additional support, including financial aid, marketing visibility, and opportunities for office space and licensing at the SPC Free Zone.
On November 3, the participants will attend the opening day of the 14th annual Sharjah Publishers Conference, which last year attracted participants from 106 countries. On November 4, they will hear from successful publishers from the UAE, KSA, Egypt, and Lebanon, who will share their insights on thriving in an increasingly competitive and evolving industry.
The participants will then attend the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) from November 6 to 17, where they will apply their newly acquired skills. The programme will culminate in pitch presentations on November 12, where candidates will showcase their expertise and compete for grants, licenses, and office space at the SPC Free Zone, solidifying their entry into the publishing industry.
