The Sharjah International Booksellers Conference, now in its fourth edition, has solidified its reputation as a cornerstone of the global publishing industry. Held in the UAE’s cultural heart of Sharjah, the 2025 event featured inspiring keynotes from global leaders in the industry, invaluable workshops and roundtable discussions, as well as 60 exhibitor booths from participating booksellers, distributors, and publishers from around the world. This dedicated space provided an exclusive opportunity for industry players to showcase their offerings and tap into the collective energy of the international book community.

A gateway to the MENA market 

For many, the opportunity to participate in the conference as an exhibitor is invaluable. Mohinder Sahni, Business Head (Export Division) of Om Books International from India is no stranger to the event, noting, “Having attended the Sharjah International Book Fair for many years, and now participating in the Sharjah International Booksellers Conference for my third time, this event is indispensable for both my professional and personal growth.” Expanding on this she said, “This region is a major market for us, but beyond sales, this conference equips us with insights into regional trends, from children’s literature to academic publishing. The connections we’ve built here have led to partnerships that span continents, and I’m always happy to return,” she stated.

Amplifying Palestinian voices

The conference’s focus on fostering relationships resonated strongly with attendees from around the world. Baker Zeidan, owner of Al-Shmel Publishing & Distribution in Palestine and a representative of Palestinian Publishers, highlighted the lasting benefits of his involvement. “This is my fourth time attending, and I have been to every one of the conferences so far. Each time, I learn new ways of production and building relationships.” Zeidan added, “I was honored to be a speaker at the first edition, where I shared the unique challenges of publishing and the book industry in Palestine, and it’s inspiring to see how the conference continues to grow and evolve each year, providing new and interesting topics to learn about and, more importantly, new connections to be made.”

Using data to thrive in a competitive market

Adding to the positive feedback regarding this year’s conference was Huda Ibrahim, a consultant from Nielsen BookData, an international organisation with offices in the UK and India, and a presence in Sharjah through the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone). “Participating for the second year, and also facilitating one of the roundtable discussions, allows Nielsen BookData to engage directly with key stakeholders in the region. We serve over 40,000 schools, universities, publishers, etc., providing detailed metadata essential for efficient book management and discovery. Being here offers a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how our services can optimise their operations and help them thrive in a competitive market.” Ibrahim highlighted.

For participants, the stakes, and opportunities are high, and with the global publishing industry evolving rapidly, the conference offers a rare chance to connect face-to-face, learn from peers, and showcase brands and services to an international audience. With attendees representing over 92 countries, the conference reflects Sharjah’s growing influence as a bridge between East and West, North and South.