Publishing Futures: Sharjah Publishers Conference, UAE

Publishers from the UK can apply to join the Publishing Futures programme at Sharjah Publishers Conference in Sharjah, UAE.

A waterfront view of Sharjah’s modern skyline, with palm-lined promenades in the foreground, sparkling calm water and high-rise buildings behind, and a “#VISITSHARJAH” sign nestled among the palms.
British Council

A delegation of 6 publishers from the UK will be selected via open call to participate in the Sharjah Publishers Conference in Sharjah, UAE, as well as the bespoke British Council Publishing Futures programme on the days before the Conference. The Publishing Futures programme will include roundtables with industry leaders offering insights into new publishing markets, a focus on Arabic literature and networking events. The programme will take place 30 October – 4 November 2026.

The Sharjah International Book Fair’s Publishers Conference, held before the main Sharjah International Book Fair event, gathers publishers, literary agents, experts, and specialists from over 70 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 1-3 November 2026. 

Information for applicants

The programme offers

  • Opportunities to meet with global publishing leaders and publishers from international markets
  • Access to a seminar programme which provides insights and builds knowledge around issues facing publishing
  • Support for introductions and bespoke rights meetings during the programme
  • Social and cultural engagements in Sharjah as part of the programme
  • Relationship with British Council Literature team
  • Access to British Council’s Publishing Futures Alumni offer which includes invitations to networking events at international publishing meeting points, notifications of grants and opportunities of interest, online skills building workshops.

Eligibility

The programme is for future publishing leaders based in the UK and applicants must: 

  • Currently hold an editorial, commissioning or rights buying role at a trade publishing house and have 5-10 years’ experience in the trade publishing industry
  • Have limited international experience to date and a desire to build connections and explore collaborations with the global publishing sector
  • Have the confidence and competence to participate in an English-based programme
  • Be fully able to participate in the programme, including spending 5 nights in Sharjah from 30 October – 4 November 2026 and preparatory work in advance
  • Have a particular interest in literature in translation and underrepresented voices
  • Demonstrate a particular interest in buying Arabic literature rights (desirable) 

How to apply

Interested publishers should apply to participate in the programme via the online application form. Applications will be accepted between 13 July 2026 and 12 August 2026.

Please read the Terms of Reference document in full before making your application.

To be considered for this opportunity you must also register separately to attend the Sharjah Publishers Conference. The same deadline of 12 August 2026 applies for registration. Please use the registration link here: https://publisherconference.com/

Publishing Futures Sharjah 2026 Terms of Reference
Apply by 12 August 2026

See also

Dates:

-

Tags: