About the programme
The Sharjah International Book Fair’s Publishers Conference, held before the main SIBF event, attracts leading rights professionals from over 100 countries. The three-day programme offers a dynamic mix of seminars on global publishing trends, matchmaking sessions, and networking opportunities, allowing participants to explore new markets and establish valuable connections in the Arab and global publishing industries. This year the Publishers Conference will take place from 2-4 November 2025.
From the successful UK applicants to the Publishers Conference, a small number of UK publishers will be selected to participate in the British Council’s tailored programme. The British Council programme will include bespoke matchmaking with publishers and agents, speaking opportunities, cultural tours and focussed networking. After the programme, participants will be invited to be part of our International Publishing Fellowship Alumni Network.
How to apply
Applicants should Register for the Publishers Conference on the SIBF website before 22 August 2025. Download the registration guidance below for details and please note that you will have to register an account with SIBF which takes up to two days for approval before you are able to complete the Publishers Conference registration.
Please download the supporting document below for information about how to register.
Once you have registered please email uk-literature@britishcouncil.org to express your interest in the British Council programme.
Additional information for applicants
- The Publishers Conference is open to publishers or agents who have responsibility for selling translation rights across all genres and languages, as well as buyers of published works in translation.
- The selection for invitation to participate in the Publishers Conference will be made by the Sharjah Book Authority. From the successful UK applicants, the British Council will select up to four UK individuals to participate in the British Council programme during the Publishers Conference in Sharjah.
- Preference for the British Council programme will be given to first-time attendees to the Publishers Conference and those with an express interest in building connections and working relationships with Arabic publishers and publishers from South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- All costs for the programme in Sharjah will be covered by the Sharjah International Book Fair and the British Council. Individuals must however cover their own costs getting to/from the airport in the UK, provide their own travel insurance and cover personal incidental expenses. Once flights have been booked, any changes will be at their own cost.
- Applicants wishing to be part of the British Council programme need to be available to be in Sharjah from 31 October to 4 November 2025.
