Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi: Building Bridges Through Culture and Publishing

A passionate advocate for literature, education, and cultural diplomacy, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi has spent her life championing the transformative power of words. As the Founder and CEO of Kalimat Publishing Group and the former President of the International Publishers Association (IPA), she has led groundbreaking initiatives that placed Arab publishing on the global map while advocating for freedom to publish, literacy, and inclusivity in the literary world.

The daughter of the Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikha Bodour could have chosen a traditional path—but she instead carved out her own legacy rooted in creativity, intellect, and public service. Through Kalimat, she has made children’s literature in Arabic more accessible, inclusive, and engaging, particularly for visually impaired readers. Her efforts have sparked a broader conversation about the role of publishing in identity, education, and empowerment.

Her leadership at the IPA marked a milestone—not only was she one of the few women to ever lead the organization, but she also became the first Arab woman to hold the role. Under her term, the IPA strengthened its work on freedom of expression, copyright protection, and the sustainability of the publishing industry post-pandemic.

Beyond publishing, Sheikha Bodour is deeply involved in initiatives that foster knowledge economies, women’s leadership, and youth empowerment across the MENA region. Her work as Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority and Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) further reflects her vision: that storytelling, creativity, and innovation are key to shaping prosperous, resilient societies.

With grace and resolve, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi continues to open doors—not just to books, but to new ideas, bold conversations, and lasting impact.