Organized by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the conference focuses on the practical realities of getting books to readers. Placing bookselling and distribution at the centre of the conversation, the keynote presentations, workshops and roundtable discussions addressed topics including inventory management, e-commerce, metadata, artificial intelligence, reader engagement and supply chain development.
The changing role of bookstores was among the key themes with speakers from Egypt, Indonesia, the Philippines, Spain and other markets exploring how booksellers are responding to changing consumer behaviour by developing community-oriented spaces, strengthening local engagement and creating new pathways to book discovery.
The discussions highlighted a challenge shared across markets: expanding readership rather than simply competing for existing readers. For publishers and booksellers alike, developing new audiences is increasingly central to the sustainability and growth of the book sector.
Alongside the programme, professional meetings brought together distributors, retailers and publishing partners from markets that can otherwise be difficult to access. Participants highlighted the value of comparing experiences across regions and identifying practical approaches that can be adapted to local markets.
The conference reflects a broader commitment by the Sharjah Book Authority and the Emirates Publishers Association to professional development and international cooperation within publishing. Under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, former President of the International Publishers Association (IPA), Sharjah has steadily expanded its role as a convening point for publishing professionals from the Arab world and beyond.
Thanks to IPA EC member, Simon de Jocas for this report.