Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press is proud to represent Qatar on the European literary stage at two of the most influential book fairs in the region: the London Book Fair 2019 and Salon Livre Paris 2019 (the Paris Book Fair). This will be HBKU Press’ second consecutive year showcasing their catalog of works at the London Book Fair, which runs from 12–14 March; and is the first time it ever participates in the Paris Book Fair, from 16–19 March. 

HBKU Press will be alongside thousands of other exhibitors participating in the international fairs that host authors, literary agents, publishing companies, publishing-related companies as well as and media outlets from around the world. At both fairs, HBKU Press plans to promote the brand internationally, enter into agreements to buy and sell the rights of books that meet their strategic vision, while establishing relationships with entities that can expand the reach of their titles. 

“Over nine years of the publishing house’s catalog of acclaimed works and innovative publications, from award-winning original titles in both English and Arabic, to translated works by globally recognized authors and translators, will be represented at both of these fairs,” explains Rima Ismail, HBKU Press’s Outreach and Special Projects Manager. “While we are here representing local Qatari and Arab talents and helping to facilitate the dissemination of local talent and local narratives to different regions across the globe, it is exciting to see that each year there is a marked rise in interest in HBKU Press as we continue to form new relationships and solidify existing ones with publishers around the globe.”

HBKU Press has already established ties with British publishing houses, literary agencies, and distribution centres since its inception in 2010 making it a stronghold in the UK market. Year after year, and through its participation in such fairs, HBKU Press works closely with these stakeholders to engage in cross-cultural communications to share the best the region has to offer with UK audiences as well as translating notable British works into Arabic. 

In recent years, HBKU Press has forged relationships with French publishers, like Nathan and Humensis, in an effort to breach a market previously untapped. From there, HBKU Press has already translated a series of books on parenting and other children’s books, with the hopes of bringing more quality works from France to the Arab world in the coming years.

Founded on the principles of international best practices, excellence and innovation, Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press is a world-class publishing house that aims to support the vibrant scholarly and literary culture in Qatar. Through its participation in such fairs, HBKU Press aims to maintain its standing as the leading choice for publishing in Qatar, to attract and inspire new authors, illustrators and translators, and to be a cornerstone of Qatar’s knowledge-based economy. 

The London Book Fair is the global marketplace for rights negotiation and the sale and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels. Salon Livre Paris, since its beginning, has been an annual must-attend event in the literary scene. This year’s theme of "Writers Facing the World" honors leading foreign authors. Each fair highlights the global publishing and media industry’s diversity and innovation.

Visit HBKU Press at stand 7H02 at the London Book Fair and at stand P53 at the Paris Book Fair.