SBA Launches 'Disrupt' Platform Connecting Tech Firms to Arab Publishing
Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has launched 'Disrupt', a pioneering platform connecting global tech firms with the Arab publishing sector. This initiative, supported by the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur), aims to accelerate digital transformation and innovation in Arabic publishing.
The 'Disrupt' track, open for registration from 15 October to 31 December 2025, invites established technology companies worldwide to present scalable, secure, and market-ready solutions relevant to publishing and content creation. These solutions could range from editing and translation tools to AI-driven animation and workflow automation.
Selected companies will receive operational licences, office space, funding opportunities, and access to Onshur's network. Evaluation of applications will focus on technological readiness, innovation impact, and long-term sustainability. Shortlisted projects will be announced during the fourth Sharjah International Distribution Conference in late 2026, following interviews in early 2026.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, sees 'Disrupt' as reinforcing Sharjah's global status in publishing and knowledge investment. Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at SBA, encourages technology firms to seize this opportunity to apply and test their solutions within the Arab publishing market.
