Onshur Connects Global Technology Firms With Arab Publishing Industry

The Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur), founded by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), has launched the ‘Disrupt’ track, the region’s first platform that brings global and specialised technology companies together to develop innovative solutions supporting Arab publishing, advancing innovation, and reshaping the link between content and technology.

The Disrupt track aims to integrate artificial intelligence and advanced technologies into Arabic publishing by inviting technology companies from around the world to present practical, ready-to-use solutions in editing, translation, marketing, AI-driven animation, and other digital innovations that strengthen the publishing ecosystem. The initiative also aims to bolster Sharjah’s status as a regional hub for publishing technologies, aligning with the emirate’s vision to develop an innovation-driven, knowledge-based publishing sector.

Positioned as a long-term investment platform within the Onshur Fund, the Disrupt track aims to create sustainable partnerships between technology solutions and Arab publishers. Selected companies will receive operational licences at Sharjah Publishing City, office space, access to investment and funding opportunities, and direct support from Onshur’s network to accelerate their entry into local and regional markets.

Commenting on the launch, His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the SBA, said, “The Disrupt track invests in leading technology ventures that offer advanced solutions for the publishing industry and drive innovation across the cultural sector. 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 and promote Arabic culture globally.”