Sharjah Ruler Waives Participation Fees for Sudanese Publishers at 2025 Sharjah International Book Fair

Sharjah has waived all participation fees for Sudanese publishers at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair, marking another step in the emirate's ongoing support for Arab publishers facing economic and political challenges. The decision comes directly from Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, and reflects the emirate's commitment to keeping Arab cultural production alive during difficult times.

The move gives Sudanese publishers free access to one of the region's most important book fairs. This matters because Sudan has been dealing with severe economic problems and political instability that make it hard for publishers to afford international exhibition fees. But Sharjah sees these publishers as crucial for preserving Sudanese literature and getting it to readers across the Arab world.

Sheikh Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who chairs the Sharjah Book Authority, explained the thinking behind the decision. "Knowledge production shouldn't stop no matter how tough things get," she said. The initiative aims to protect Arab cultural heritage and make sure creative voices from struggling countries can still reach their audiences.

For the publishing industry, this creates a meaningful precedent. Book fairs are expensive to participate in, but they're often the main way publishers connect with distributors, bookstores, and readers from other countries. When publishers can't afford these fees, their books essentially disappear from the regional market.

Sharjah has been doing this for several years now. The emirate has previously supported publishers from other Arab countries dealing with economic or political crises. It's part of a broader strategy to position Sharjah as the cultural hub of the Arab world, but it also serves practical purposes for the book fair itself.

Here's why this approach works for everyone involved: Sudanese publishers get access to new markets and readers. The book fair gets more diverse content, which attracts more visitors and international attention. And Arab readers get access to books they might not otherwise see.

The Sharjah International Book Fair has become one of the most significant literary events in the Middle East, drawing publishers, authors, and readers from across the region and beyond. By removing financial barriers for publishers from countries in crisis, Sharjah ensures the fair maintains its reputation for representing the full spectrum of Arab literature and thought.