The Sharjah Literary Agency (SLA) is solidifying its standing as a powerhouse in the global literary market by adding nearly 250 titles to its ever-expanding portfolio. This curated collection spans multiple genres and features a distinguished roster of acclaimed Arab and international authors, including recipients of some of the most prestigious literary honours worldwide.

SLA’s work reinforces Sharjah’s status as a vibrant hub for influential literary talent while advancing a bold vision of Arabic literature as a vital contributor to the global narrative. The expansion underscores the agency’s commitment to amplifying Arabic voices and redefining the international literary landscape by infusing it with the depth and diversity of the region’s cultural heritage.

147 fiction and poetry titles by 42 esteemed authors

The Agency’s fiction and poetry collection now spans 147 titles from 42 highly acclaimed authors, representing some of the most compelling voices in Arabic literature. The prolific author Ibrahim Al-Koni leads this impressive lineup, whose 73 works anchor the collection. The Libyan novelist’s recognition as one of the world’s top fifty novelists and a Nobel nominee underscores the depth of the agency’s offerings.

The roster also includes celebrated Egyptian novelist Khairy Shalaby, winner of the prestigious Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature, and Abdel Rahim Kamal, the renowned screenwriter behind numerous acclaimed film and television projects. The catalogue further features distinguished authors like Muhammad Al Mansi Qindeel, Somar Shehada, Mirna El Mahdy, and Hany Abdelrahman Elkot whose contributions continue to advance the influence of Arabic literature on the global stage.

100 new titles in children’s literature

In line with its mission to provide a diverse range of publications and bolster the presence of leading Arabic works, SLA has added 100 new children’s book titles. These publications include various award-winning Arabic children’s books, which aim to enhance young readers’ intellectual and creative skills.

International partnerships

SLA’s commitment to elevating Arabic literature on the global stage is evident in its recent collaboration with a Greek publishing house, which resulted in the translation and publication of two poetry collections by Emirati poets Nujoom Al-Ghanem and Ali Al Shaali. Building on this momentum, the agency is poised to unveil a series of new partnerships at the upcoming Sharjah Publishers Conference during the 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair.

Tamer Said, Director of SLA, emphasised the agency’s core mission: “Our commitment is to unlock the full potential of writers and creatives by ensuring their energy remains devoted to what truly matters—creative excellence. We deeply believe in the value of writers and the significance of their mission, which propels us to pursue excellence continually. By transforming their creative visions into multi-dimensional projects, supported by robust legal frameworks, we protect their intellectual rights and pave the way for meaningful investment in their work.”

He added: “Guided by the visionary leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, we are committed to expanding our global reach and reshaping the narrative around Arabic literature. Our mission is to elevate Arab writers as central figures in the creative industries, creating new opportunities for them to impact the international literary map significantly.”

The Sharjah Literary Agency represents a significant step in Sharjah’s ongoing efforts to elevate Arabic literature globally. With a vision focused on managing the rights of creatives and supporting their presence in international markets, the agency strives to expand avenues of collaboration between publishers, authors, and translators worldwide. Its comprehensive services adhere to the highest global standards, creating new cultural and literary integration opportunities.