Inside Sharjah 2025: How the Global South Is Shaping the Future of Publishing

Published November 03, 2025 · The Digital Desk at America Publishers

The 44th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) has once again transformed the UAE into the beating heart of the global publishing world. Under the evocative theme “Between You and a Book,” this year’s fair celebrates the intimate relationship between readers and stories, bringing together 2,350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 countries. More than just a marketplace, SIBF has evolved into a cultural crossroads, a space where ideas from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond converge. Positioned strategically after the Frankfurt Book Fair, Sharjah now stands as the most significant literary gathering for the Global South, blending commerce, creativity, and collaboration. As the fair continues through November 16, its message resonates clearly: books remain the most powerful bridge between people, cultures, and generations.

Each year, the Sharjah International Book Fair grows not only in size but in spirit, and 2025 is no exception. This year’s edition welcomes an extraordinary 2,350 publishers and exhibitors representing 118 countries, creating one of the most diverse literary gatherings in the world. The fair features over 1,200 activities, from author sessions and workshops to live readings and cultural dialogues, all designed to celebrate the written word in its many forms.

Beyond its impressive statistics, the fair’s energy lies in its diversity. SIBF reports welcoming over 2.17 million visitors in recent editions, reflecting the event’s growing global appeal. Visitors explore 1.3 million book titles across genres and languages, discovering stories that transcend borders. Sharjah has become a bridge for the Global South, linking publishers from Africa, Asia, India, and the Middle East with new voices and markets. The fair’s atmosphere blends the vibrancy of discovery with the quiet reverence of literature, reminding everyone that storytelling is a universal language, one that continues to unite people across borders and beliefs.

At the heart of this year’s fair lies the Sharjah Publishers Conference, a dynamic gathering where innovation meets tradition. The event opened with the Publishers’ Training Program, organized in collaboration with New York University, welcoming 161 publishers, including 75 from Africa. The sessions explored strategies for the modern era, from building global distribution networks to transforming family-run publishing houses into international brands.

Among the highlights was an energizing keynote by Marcus Dohle, former CEO of Penguin Random House, who declared this “the best time ever for publishing.” His words echoed the optimism felt throughout the halls, as participants shared insights on audio content, digital readership, and cross-border storytelling.

More than a conference, Sharjah’s program is a masterclass in reinvention, proof that the industry’s future lies in adaptability, collaboration, and shared growth. As publishers exchanged ideas and experiences, one message stood out: while the tools of publishing may evolve, the passion behind it remains timeless.

While every book fair offers business potential, Sharjah’s greatest strength lies in its human connections. Publishers describe the atmosphere as more personal and relaxed than larger European events, where true collaboration often begins over casual hallway conversations. Jonathan Merkh, president and CEO of Forefront Books, summed it up best: “You don’t necessarily come to Sharjah expecting to land big business deals, you come here for the people.”

Yet meaningful deals still unfold. Supported by the fair’s strong translation program, publishers routinely secure international rights exchanges that give stories new lives in unexpected markets. Santa Svaza of Zvaigzne ABC Publishing House recalled selling rights to Arabic, Serbian, and Macedonian publishers during her first year, proof that Sharjah bridges language, culture, and opportunity.

For many attendees, these exchanges represent more than contracts; they’re acts of cultural diplomacy. Each signed agreement becomes a promise that stories born in one language will inspire readers in another, reinforcing Sharjah’s role as a meeting point where literary worlds truly merge.

As the world of publishing continues to evolve, artificial intelligence naturally became one of the most discussed topics at this year’s fair. Industry leaders acknowledged its potential to enhance productivity and reduce waste, yet they also voiced the growing need for ethical boundaries. Gvantsa Jobava, president of the International Publishers Association, reminded audiences that while AI is improving efficiency, the fight to protect copyright is far from over. “There’s so much more to be done in defense of creativity,” she said, urging global unity against unauthorized content use.

Her message aligned perfectly with the vision of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority. She spoke passionately about the importance of collaboration during transformation, noting that publishing’s evolution is not defined by technology alone, but by shared learning and mutual respect. “If we want to truly grow, we must learn together,” she said. “The future of publishing will not be written by technology alone, it will be written by the choices we make.”

Those words set the tone for the fair: a collective call for innovation rooted in integrity, reminding everyone that progress means little if it leaves behind the very people who give stories their soul.

Innovation isn’t just a theme at Sharjah, it’s a living reality shaping the future of the book world. One of the most inspiring sessions featured Madeline McIntosh, CEO of Authors Equity and former head of Penguin Random House, who shared the story behind her new company’s rise. Built on a revenue-sharing model that gives writers a greater stake in their success, Authors Equity represents a refreshing shift toward transparency and collaboration between authors and publishers.

McIntosh revealed that the company generated $15 million in revenue in its first year, led by bestsellers like Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen. Her approach redefines publishing as a partnership, where empowered authors become the strongest advocates for their own work.

She also discussed how her team carefully integrates AI-driven insights into marketing and planning, always ensuring that human oversight remains central. “AI as a strategic partner, left alone, would have done very stupid things,” she joked, underscoring the balance between innovation and intuition.

In moments like this, Sharjah proves its purpose: spotlighting not just the books we read, but the brave new ideas transforming how they reach us.

As the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 continues to unfold, its halls echo with more than just book launches and business meetings, they resonate with shared purpose. From bold conversations about AI to heartfelt exchanges between authors and readers, the fair reaffirms why literature remains the world’s most enduring form of connection.

In the words of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, “the future of publishing will be written by the choices we make.” Sharjah stands as proof that when those choices are guided by curiosity, cooperation, and care, the written word can unite continents. Each year, the fair reminds us that stories are not only told, they are lived, exchanged, and passed on as bridges between cultures and generations.

Sources: Official data from the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF.com) and event coverage by Publishers Weekly. Additional details and statistics are available through Sharjah Book Authority and PublishersWeekly.com.