The Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur), an initiative under the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), has officially launched the ‘Disrupt’ track, a pioneering platform designed to connect global technology companies with the Arab publishing industry. The initiative aims to foster innovation by embedding advanced technology and artificial intelligence into every stage of the publishing process, from content creation to distribution.
Bridging Tech and Content
The core mission of the Disrupt track is to tackle challenges and unlock new opportunities within Arabic publishing by leveraging cutting-edge solutions. The program invites established technology companies from around the world to present practical, market-ready tools in areas such as AI-driven editing and translation, advanced marketing analytics, and digital animation. By creating a direct pipeline for innovation, Disrupt seeks to reshape the relationship between content and technology in the region.
Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of strategic initiatives and global markets at SBA, stated, “The Disrupt track offers technology companies a direct opportunity to apply and test their solutions within the Arab publishing market. We are seeking firms that are ready to deploy proven technologies in real business environments to achieve measurable success in the Arab publishing ecosystem.”
A Gateway to the MENA Market
Positioned as a long-term investment platform, Disrupt offers a significant value proposition for global tech firms looking to enter or expand in the Middle East. Selected companies will receive comprehensive support, including operational licenses at the Sharjah Publishing City free zone, dedicated office space, and access to a network of investment and funding opportunities. Furthermore, Onshur will provide direct support to help these companies accelerate their market entry and establish a strong foothold in local and regional markets.
To be eligible, companies must offer scalable, secure cloud-based systems with clear applications for the publishing and content industries. The evaluation will focus on the solution’s market readiness, its potential to enhance efficiency, and its scalability.
Strengthening Sharjah’s Innovation Hub
The launch of Disrupt aligns with Sharjah’s broader vision to develop a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy. The initiative reinforces the emirate’s standing as a central hub for the global publishing sector and its commitment to investing in technologies that drive the cultural sector forward.
His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the SBA, commented, “The Disrupt track brings this vision to reality by investing in leading technology ventures that offer advanced solutions for the publishing industry. The track creates new opportunities for collaboration with top technology developers worldwide and lays the foundation for a new generation of tech-driven creators to help strengthen the Arab publishing sector.”
Application and Selection Process
The application window for the Disrupt track is now open and will run until December 31, coinciding with the Frankfurt International Book Fair. Following the deadline, interviews and evaluations will take place from January to February 2026. The final shortlist of selected technology companies will be announced during the fourth Sharjah International Distribution Conference in 2026.
About Onshur
Onshur, the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund, was founded by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). It operates as a strategic fund aimed at supporting the long-term growth and innovation of the publishing industry in the Arab world by investing in sustainable solutions and fostering partnerships between content creators and technology providers.
Source: Zawya
