Sharjah City has been selected to host the International Publishers Congress (IPC) 2028, one of the most influential global gatherings in the publishing industry. The event will bring together leading publishers, authors, rights professionals, and industry experts to Sharjah in October 2028 under the theme “Inclusion. Innovation. Integrity.”
Official Handover Ceremony in Kuala Lumpur
The announcement was made during the official handover ceremony at the IPA 2026 Gala Dinner, held as part of the 35th International Publishers Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 5th to 9th July 2026. Sponsored by the Sharjah Book Authority, the Gala Dinner gathered approximately 500 delegates from across the international publishing community and provided the setting for Sharjah’s formal acceptance of the hosting rights for the 2028 Congress. The Emirates Publishers Association will host the Congress in close collaboration with the International Publishers Association.
Handover of the IPC Flag
The official handover took place following the IPA Awards Ceremony, when representatives of Kuala Lumpur formally announced Sharjah as the next host city before handing over the International Publishers Congress flag. H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association, delivered the official acceptance speech, formally accepting the honour on behalf of Sharjah and welcoming the global publishing community to the UAE.
Sheikha Bodour’s Remarks
H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi said, “Hosting the International Publishers Congress 2028 reflects the confidence that the global publishing community has placed in Sharjah and in the UAE as a meeting place for dialogue, collaboration and the free exchange of ideas. We look forward to welcoming publishers from around the world to a Congress that strengthens international partnerships, explores the opportunities shaping the future of publishing, and reaffirms our shared belief in the enduring power of books to connect cultures, expand knowledge and bring people together.”
About the International Publishers Congress
Held every two years by the International Publishers Association (IPA), the Congress is the publishing industry’s foremost international forum, bringing together publishers, authors, booksellers, rights professionals, policymakers, and technology leaders to exchange ideas, address emerging challenges, and explore opportunities shaping the future of publishing.
IPA President’s Statement
IPA President Gvantsa Jobava stated, “We are excited to be heading to Sharjah for the 36th International Publishers Congress, where we can build on the success of our Congress in Kuala Lumpur and further promote our pillars of copyright and the freedom to publish within the publishing sector. The EPA has been such an engaged member of IPA, and we can’t wait to get started.”
