Sharjah: Graduates of the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) said its training and advisory sessions have helped reshape publishing strategies, strengthen financial planning, and expand international reach.
According to Emirates News Agency, participants in the program highlighted the guidance they received from international publishing specialists, which helped address operational challenges and build more sustainable business models. Launched by H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, Onshur supports publishers through training, mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to professional networks.
The reflections were collected through a survey assessing the program's impact on participating publishers in the UAE. Respondents noted that the program helped clarify financial and marketing strategies, as well as the balance between publishing's cultural mission and commercial realities.
Noor Arab, Founder of Nour Publishing, mentioned that the program encouraged her to rethink the commercial strategy of her publishing house, motivating her to strengthen the commercial side of publishing and build a more sustainable and flexible business for the future. The consultations helped refine plans and revisit long-term visions.
Publisher Dr. Asmaa Emara emphasized the practical value of the program, noting that access to industry specialists saved time and aided in making clearer decisions. Participation in the Onshur pavilion at the Sharjah International Book Fair also introduced her publishing house's titles to new readers.
Similarly, Asmaa bin Kalban, a graduate of the Launch Track, valued the engagement with international publishing specialists, which provided valuable professional insight. For publisher Nadine Bakhis, the Launch Track offered the guidance necessary to begin a publishing project she had long considered. The experience fostered a sense of belonging to a professional community supporting emerging publishers.
Other participants highlighted the program's mentorship and expert guidance as key factors in developing their publishing ventures. Fatima Al Hammadi accelerated her publishing house's development through guidance on financial planning and marketing strategies, while Dalal Al Jabri gained a systematic understanding of the publishing process through training sessions, consultations, and monthly follow-ups.
Mamoun Abdulrahman, another Launch Track graduate, praised access to international publishing experts as a strong element of the program. Participants' experiences reflect the fund's broader objective of strengthening the sustainability of the UAE's publishing sector. By combining training, mentorship, and industry connections, the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund aims to equip publishers with the tools needed to navigate evolving market conditions and expand their presence across regional and international publishing markets.