On its ninth day, the Sharjah International Book Fair 2026 sets a record.
On its ninth day, the Sharjah International Book Fair 2026 set a record for translation rights sales and purchases.

The Publishers Programme and Translation Rights Centre at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, held at Expo Centre Sharjah, recorded a new record on Thursday, November 12, 2026, for the number of translation and publishing-rights deals concluded between Arab and international publishers participating in the fair since its launch.

Notable expansion in the translation of Arab literature into global languages

The Sharjah Book Authority said the ninth day saw hundreds of contracts signed to translate Arab novels, history books and Emirati and Gulf children’s literature into more than 35 languages, including English, French, Spanish, Chinese and Korean. The agreements were supported by the Sharjah Translation Grant, which covers translation and production costs.

Digital platforms make negotiations easier for publishers

The fair provided publishers and literary agents with smart digital communication platforms that enabled them to schedule bilateral meetings and review book catalogues online. This helped accelerate commercial agreements and the exchange of expertise in audio and digital publishing.

Sharjah as a bridge for cultural and civilisational exchange

These record results reinforce the global standing of Sharjah International Book Fair as the world’s largest marketplace for publishing-rights transactions for the sixth consecutive year. The emirate continues to support the book industry and strengthen knowledge bridges among cultures worldwide.