SHARJAH — Sharjah will host the International Publishers Congress (IPC) in October 2028, one of the global publishing industry’s leading gatherings, organisers announced.
The announcement was made during the handover ceremony at the IPA 2026 Gala Dinner, held alongside the 35th International Publishers Congress in Kuala Lumpur from July 5 to 9.
Around 500 delegates attended the event, sponsored by the Sharjah Book Authority, where Sharjah formally accepted hosting rights for the 2028 edition.
The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) will host the Congress in collaboration with the International Publishers Association (IPA).
The handover followed the IPA Awards ceremony, with Kuala Lumpur officially naming Sharjah as the next host city before passing on the Congress flag.
H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the EPA, accepted the honour on behalf of Sharjah.
“Hosting the International Publishers Congress 2028 reflects the confidence the global publishing community has placed in Sharjah and the UAE as a hub for dialogue, collaboration and the exchange of ideas,” she said.
“We look forward to welcoming publishers from around the world to strengthen partnerships and explore opportunities shaping the future of publishing.”
Held biennially by the IPA, the Congress brings together publishers, authors, booksellers, policymakers and technology leaders to address industry challenges and opportunities.
IPA President Gvantsa Jobava said the organisation looked forward to building on the Kuala Lumpur Congress and advancing priorities including copyright protection and freedom to publish.
Sharjah’s selection highlights its growing role as a global publishing hub, supported by an ecosystem spanning authorship, translation, rights trading and professional development.
The 2028 Congress will be held under the theme “Inclusion. Innovation. Integrity,” focusing on inclusive publishing, technological advancement and ethical standards.
Sessions are expected to cover accessibility, AI-driven publishing, localisation strategies, sustainable publishing, copyright protection and cross-sector collaboration.
Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, said hosting the Congress would provide Emirati publishers with opportunities to expand international partnerships, strengthen rights exchange and showcase the UAE’s publishing sector globally.
