The fifth Sharjah Booksellers Conference has officially kicked off at the Expo Centre Sharjah, drawing a diverse crowd of over 900 industry professionals from 99 different nations. Organized by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the event focuses on the enduring relevance of booksellers in a rapidly digitizing world. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the SBA, opened the conference by emphasizing that while technology continues to shift how we consume content, the human element of connecting the right reader to the right book remains essential. She highlighted that investing in the people behind the industry is crucial for its long-term survival and evolution.

Beyond the philosophical discussions, the conference serves as a practical hub for tackling the realities of modern retail. Industry veterans, including bookstore founders from the Philippines and Ukraine, shared insights on navigating market shifts, managing inventory, and maintaining a sense of community amidst global challenges. The event also highlighted the intersection of technology and human expertise, featuring sessions on how artificial intelligence can streamline administrative tasks, ultimately allowing booksellers more time to foster personal connections with their customers. With additional programming dedicated to the PublisHer initiative—which empowers women in publishing—and workshops on digital marketing, the conference aims to equip attendees with the tools necessary to keep physical bookstores thriving in a digital age.