SHARJAH  –  Sharjah City will host the International Publishers Congress (IPC) 2028, one of the publishing industry’s most influential global gatherings, bringing the world’s leading publishers, authors, rights professionals and industry experts to Sharjah in October 2028 under the theme “Inclusion. Innovation. Integrity”. 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 brought together approximately 500 delegates from across the international publishing community and provided the setting for Sharjah’s official 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.

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, then delivered the official acceptance speech, formally accepting the honour of hosting the International Publishers Congress 2028 on behalf of Sharjah and welcoming the global publishing community to the UAE.

H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association, 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.”

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 the opportunities shaping the future of publishing. IPA President Gvantsa Jobava said, “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.”