FRANKFURT: Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) successfully concluded its participation in the 76th Frankfurt International Book Fair (FIBF), showcasing its specialized services to professionals and exploring collaboration opportunities with European and international publishers. The event aimed to strengthen ties between Arab and European publishers and position Sharjah as a global hub for culture and innovation. According to Emirates News Agency, SPC Free Zone's presence at FIBF was marked by a significant interest from professionals in Europe and beyond. The free zone highlighted its comprehensive offerings in publishing, printing, and distribution, as well as streamlined business setup and licensing processes. Its advanced facilities are designed to support authors, publishers, and translators, fostering new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange with stakeholders from the UAE and the global publishing sector. High-level bilateral meetings with prominent international publi shers were a key component of SPC Free Zone's participation. These discussions focused on strategic expansion into Middle Eastern markets through Sharjah, emphasizing the emirate's investment-friendly environment and the free zone's services and facilities. Currently, SPC Free Zone hosts more than 11,487 active licenses from 154 countries, spanning various sectors within the creative industries. Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of SPC Free Zone, noted the significance of participating in the 2024 Frankfurt International Book Fair. Under the guidance of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, the event served as a platform to engage with industry leaders, showcase state-of-the-art services, and support professionals in the creative industries. The goal is to enable business growth and expansion into regional and international markets, leveraging Sharjah's strategic geographic location.