Sharjah to Welcome the World of Publishing at International Publishers Congress 2028

Sharjah to Host the International Publishers Congress 2028

Sharjah, UAE is set to become the focal point for the global publishing industry when it hosts the International Publishers Congress (IPC) 2028. Scheduled for October 2028, this influential event will gather leading figures from across the publishing landscape, including publishers, authors, rights professionals, and industry experts, all under the unifying theme of "Inclusion. Innovation. Integrity.".

This significant announcement was made during the IPA 2026 Gala Dinner, which took place from July 5 to 9, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This event marked the official handover of hosting responsibilities, which include approximately 500 delegates representing the international publishing community. The Sharjah Book Authority played a key role in this momentous occasion, which aligns with the emirate's long-standing dedication to advancing cultural dialogue and knowledge-sharing.

H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association, emphasized that this event underlines the trust the global publishing community has in Sharjah and the UAE. She noted, “We look forward to welcoming publishers from around the world to a Congress that strengthens international partnerships and reaffirms our shared belief in the power of books to connect cultures.”

The IPC occurs biennially and serves as the premier forum for the publishing sector. It brings together a diverse array of stakeholders including publishers, authors, and technology leaders, enabling invaluable dialogue on the challenges and opportunities in the industry. IPA President Gvantsa Jobava expressed excitement for the upcoming Congress in Sharjah, aiming to leverage thematic pillars focused on copyright and the freedom to publish, vital principles for the sector.

Sharjah's selection as the host city is a testament to its emerging status as a global hub for publishing. The city has cultivated a robust ecosystem that encompasses all facets of the industry, from authorship and publication to translation and rights management, all while fostering environments conducive to innovation and creative exchange.

As Sharjah prepares to host the IPC 2028, there is a strong emphasis on the anticipated benefits for UAE's publishing sector. H.E. Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, articulated that this event would provide extraordinary opportunities for Emirati publishers to engage with their international counterparts, enhance rights exchanges, and showcase the UAE's vibrant publishing landscape.

The 2028 Congress will spotlight important themes such as Inclusion, focusing on diversifying representation in publishing, improving accessibility, and tailoring stories for local relevance while ensuring global reach; Innovation, which will delve into technological advancements that can create sustainable publishing models; and Integrity, emphasizing ethical standards and the protection of intellectual property in a rapidly advancing digital world.

The dynamic programme will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and presentations on topics addressing the defining issues of the modern publishing landscape, from AI-enabled workflows to localised publishing strategies, copyright protection, and sustainable growth models.

Notably, the Congress aims to facilitate networking opportunities and professional partnerships that extend beyond the event itself, creating a long-lasting impact on the industry. By positioning itself as the host for this esteemed gathering, Sharjah is set not only to connect diverse stakeholders within the publishing community but also to deepen its own role in promoting culture, creativity, and international cooperation.

With the Congress theme, "Inclusion. Innovation. Integrity.", the event will solidify Sharjah's role as a leader in cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange, making it a milestone in the emirate's publishing journey. The world will be watching as Sharjah welcomes the brightest minds in publishing to discuss, innovate, and shape the future of the industry together.