Today's Edition
SHARJAH (WAM)
The Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) has announced the participants for its 2025 "Scale" track.
Thirteen publishing houses were selected from 62 applicants who met the programme’s rigorous criteria, including a proven track record in publishing diverse and culturally impactful works and a clear commitment to expanding their operations through sustainable growth strategies.
The selected publishers will start a four-weeks intensive programme starting in May.
The Scale track cohort reflects notable diversity, with women making up 60 percent of participants and men 40 percent.
Emiratis form the largest group at 40 percent, followed by 13 percent each from Egypt and Syria.
The remaining participants come from Australia at six percent, Eritrea, Jordan, Canada and Lebanon, each representing seven percent of the total.
Publishers taking part in the Scale track include: Ajyal, Sidra Publishing and Distribution, Kalaman for Distribution and Publishing, Ghaf Publications, Nabati Publishing, Dar Al Bayan Al Arabi, Dar Al Furat Publishing, Dar Al Fikr Al Jadeed, Shams Publishing, The Dream Work Collective, Shaheen Printing, Publishing and Distribution, Loaloa Publishing and Distribution, and Al Noor Publishing.
The upcoming track offers participants an interactive learning journey to equip them with practical tools and effective strategies for scaling up their local and international operations.
The curriculum covers specialised training sessions focused on business model development, digital marketing strategies, data management, and the use of modern technologies to enhance reader reach.
The programme also includes networking opportunities with senior international publishers and experts, helping participants strengthen their presence in global markets and build strong publishing brands.
The evaluation committee featured a distinguished group of cultural and publishing leaders, including Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority.
