Sharjah, a cultural gem of the United Arab Emirates, has made international headlines by hosting the globally respected NYU SPS Executive Publishing Programme. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) under the directives of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, this four-day professional development initiative is being held from April 14 at the American University of Sharjah. It marks the programme’s debut outside the United States, offering a major opportunity for regional publishers to engage with global industry leaders.
Through this collaboration between SBA and the Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media at NYU’s School of Professional Studies, Sharjah is positioning itself as a knowledge bridge between cultures. The programme aims to empower publishers in the UAE, the wider Arab world, and surrounding regions by delivering high-impact workshops and discussions on innovation, technology, and global publishing practices.
Sharjah’s Cultural Leadership Reinforced Through Global Academic Partnership
Sharjah’s hosting of the NYU SPS Executive Publishing Programme is a strategic move that builds on the Emirate’s decades-long commitment to literature, education, and knowledge exchange. As the former UNESCO World Book Capital and the site of major publishing events such as the Sharjah International Book Fair, Sharjah has firmly established itself as the cultural capital of the Arab world.
The presence of the NYU programme in Sharjah signals international recognition of the Emirate’s role in advancing publishing excellence. Under Sheikha Bodour’s leadership, the SBA continues to champion initiatives that connect global expertise with regional ambitions. By bringing international institutions to local soil, Sharjah is helping shape the future of Arab publishing while promoting the UAE’s knowledge economy on a world stage.
Opening Day Focuses on Independent Presses and Reader Engagement
The first day of the programme, titled Publishing Pathways and Pivots, began with opening remarks from Andrea Chambers, Associate Dean of NYU SPS, and Christie Henry, Director of Princeton University Press. Their introduction highlighted the evolving role of publishing in a rapidly changing world and the value of strategic thinking in reaching global readers.
Christie Henry led a key session on the power of independent publishing. Drawing from her experience at Princeton University Press, she explained how independent houses contribute to literary diversity and intellectual freedom. Another segment explored Princeton’s strategic expansion into China as a case study in international growth.
Participants engaged in a hands-on workshop with Dan Hayter from Glassboxx, who demonstrated how publishers can utilise digital platforms to build audiences and increase revenue. The day ended with a creative exploration into global cover design and international title acquisition, led by Michael Reynolds from Europa Editions and Inez Munsch of Abrams & Chronicle Books.
Second Day Highlights Translation and Collaborative Creativity
The second day, themed Innovation and Imagination, emphasised the role of creativity in connecting global audiences. Christie Henry returned to guide a session on reaching non-traditional markets through innovation and adaptive publishing models. She demonstrated how publishers can expand their reach by understanding cultural nuances and consumer behavior.
Samantha Schnee of Words Without Borders led a compelling discussion on the rising importance of translation rights. She highlighted how translated literature fosters cultural understanding and creates space for underrepresented voices. Attendees then participated in a practical group exercise to evaluate international works for translation suitability.
Naveen Kishore and Sunandini Banerjee of Seagull Books shared their expertise on blending translation with artistic design. Their session showed how thoughtful design enhances translated works, making them more appealing to diverse audiences. A closing case study with Princeton University Press’s Inés ter Horst explored collaborative publishing as a model for innovation and resource sharing.
Global Market Trends and Audiobooks Dominate Third Day
On the third day, Growth and Global Publishing Trends took centre stage. Chantal Restivo-Alessi of HarperCollins opened with insights into consumer trends and international expansion. She examined how global publishers adjust their strategies based on shifting reader preferences and market behaviours.
Carlo Carrenho of Alpine Global Collective led a session on the audiobook boom. With streaming platforms gaining popularity, Carrenho discussed the rise of audio content and how publishers can adapt to this growing demand. This was followed by a return session from Restivo-Alessi, who dove into digital sales strategies and the importance of operational efficiency in online publishing.
A negotiation workshop provided participants with practical training in rights acquisition and deal-making. Kelly Gallagher of Ingram Content Group concluded the day by discussing shifts in international print markets and how publishers can stay resilient amidst digital transformation.
Final Day Explores AI, Innovation and Digital Marketing
The fourth and final day, titled Eyes on the Future, turned to technology’s transformative role in publishing. Joana Jamil of Meta shared strategies for effective digital marketing, including how publishers can use data-driven tools to better promote books and reach niche audiences across platforms.
AI’s influence on the publishing world was explored by Chantal Restivo-Alessi, who explained both the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies. Her session touched on ethical considerations, editorial automation, and the potential impact on creative roles.
Marine Debray of HarperCollins built on this theme with an overview of global innovation trends, citing real-world applications of AI in editing, production, and distribution. Keith Riegert of Ulysses Press then demonstrated AI tools publishers can adopt today—from content enhancement to reader targeting. The programme concluded with a collaborative team exercise, allowing attendees to apply their learning in a practical project setting.
Sharjah’s Role in Shaping the Future of Global Publishing
By hosting this prestigious programme, Sharjah has once again confirmed its role as a regional and international leader in cultural and educational development. The Sharjah NYU SPS Executive Publishing Programme not only benefits local professionals but also showcases the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for innovation, knowledge exchange, and cross-cultural dialogue.
This event reinforces the UAE’s long-term investment in human capital, technological progress, and sustainable development. Through thoughtful partnerships and global engagement, the UAE—and Sharjah in particular—continues to bring the world closer through literature, learning, and leadership. As publishing adapts to a digital and multicultural future, Sharjah is positioned not only as a participant but as a catalyst for global change in the literary and publishing landscapes.
