Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi leads SBA’s strategic vision at fourth board meeting

Sharjah Book Authority sets course for global leadership in cultural and publishing innovation

Sharjah, April 13, 2025

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), recently presided over the Authority’s fourth Board of Directors meeting. The session, attended by board members, executives, and representatives from various departments within the Authority, reviewed significant milestones and outlined strategic plans to drive innovation, enhance institutional performance, and fortify Sharjah’s position as a premier cultural and publishing hub.

Opening the meeting, Sheikha Bodour reaffirmed the Authority’s dedication to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, aiming to elevate the emirate into a global centre for culture and the publishing sector. She commended the progress achieved through strategic initiatives that have solidified Sharjah’s standing on the international publishing map.

Sheikha Bodour remarked, “the work we accomplish at Sharjah Book Authority is about reinforcing Sharjah’s cultural foundations, building meaningful international collaboration, and always adapting to emerging challenges. The initiatives we pursue forge lasting connections through storytelling, enhancing the publishing landscape regionally and globally. Everything we do brings us closer to a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive future through literature.”

Strategic priorities for the next phase

Attendees deliberated on top strategic priorities for the upcoming period, focusing prominently on digital transformation, workforce development, enhancing customer experiences, and promoting sustainability and innovation. Operational efficiency also featured high, with discussions centered on streamlining processes, optimising resource utilisation, and accelerating outcomes.

The board reviewed the potential of new and emerging technologies to enhance the Authority’s efficiency, spotlighting initiatives such as the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) project and the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) framework, encompassing 75 strategic metrics. These tools aim to bolster institutional growth, elevate customer satisfaction, diversify revenue streams, reduce costs, and foster enduring connections with global audiences.

Strengthening the publishing and distribution sector

During the meeting’s review of recent achievements, key activities over recent months were highlighted, including the successful organisation of the fourth annual Sharjah International Booksellers Conference, preparations for the third annual Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC), and the Sharjah Children’s Book Illustration Exhibition – part of the Sharjah Children’s reading festival. Planning for Sharjah’s contributions as Guest of Honour at Morocco’s Rabat International Book Fair, and participation in major global book fairs was also discussed.

The meeting further explored SBA’s initiatives for professional development, including the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) Scale Track and a series of specialised training courses designed to advance the capabilities of publishers and distributors. Outcomes from prior brainstorming workshops were also assessed.

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