Sharjah is strengthening India–UAE publishing ties through new partnerships, business incentives and global expansion opportunities for Indian publishers.
SHARJAH: How can Indian publishers expand into international markets more efficiently? According to industry leaders gathered in New Delhi, Sharjah is positioning itself as a key gateway for publishers looking to grow beyond their domestic market.
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone), in partnership with Mint, recently hosted the Global Publishing Exchange 2026 in the Indian capital. The event brought together publishers, authors, literary agents, media entrepreneurs and industry experts to explore new opportunities for cross-border collaboration between India and the UAE.
The conference focused on five major themes, including Sharjah’s role as a gateway to global markets, tax and business structuring, publishing partnerships, international expansion strategies and the advantages offered by SPC Free Zone.
Why is the opportunity significant?
India is home to one of the world’s fastest-growing publishing industries, valued at more than USD 8 billion and expanding at an estimated annual rate of 20 per cent. At the same time, economic ties between the UAE and India continue to strengthen following the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed in 2022, with bilateral trade reaching USD 100 billion.
Industry experts said these developments create favourable conditions for publishers seeking new audiences, international distribution channels and long-term business growth.
Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of SPC Free Zone, said Sharjah’s strategy is focused on removing barriers that often limit expansion.
He noted that the emirate provides an integrated business environment, including full foreign ownership opportunities, tax advantages and innovative solutions such as the world’s first AI-powered business licence. These measures allow publishers to focus more resources on content creation, talent development and market expansion.
The conference also examined how publishers can benefit from UAE–India tax frameworks and regulatory structures. Specialists highlighted opportunities to create efficient business models, strengthen intellectual property protection and leverage economic agreements between both countries.
Another key discussion centred on new pathways for Indian publishers, including digital publishing, rights exchange, international distribution and institutional partnerships. Industry leaders stressed the importance of adapting to changing market conditions while exploring collaborative growth opportunities.
What makes Sharjah attractive for publishers?
SPC Free Zone currently hosts more than 20,000 companies, including over 4,500 Indian businesses. Among them are more than 150 firms operating in publishing, digital publishing, printing and distribution.
The emirate also supports a digital platform connecting over 400 publishing houses across 80 countries, helping facilitate rights trading and international business partnerships.
As demand for educational and cultural content continues to grow across the Gulf region, Sharjah is increasingly positioning itself as a strategic hub for publishers seeking access to new markets and sustainable international growth.
