https://www.broadcastprome.com/ :The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced that the fourth edition of the Sharjah Animation and Comics Conference (SACC) will take place from October 22 to 25 at Aljada in Sharjah.

The 2026 edition will mark a major expansion of the conference, bringing animation and comics together under a wider visual storytelling platform. The new format aims to create greater opportunities for collaboration, project development and professional networking among creators, publishers and producers from the region and internationally.

Alongside animators and producers, the conference will welcome writers, illustrators and publishers, encouraging cross-disciplinary exchange and collaboration. A new Animation and Comics Market will also be introduced to help strengthen industry relationships, partnerships and business opportunities.

SACC 2026 will bring together prominent creators, industry professionals and specialists from around the world for a programme combining practical training with industry insight. Attendees will be able to enhance their skills, develop creative projects, learn from experienced professionals and explore emerging trends and practices across animation and comics.

H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: “The Arab region is rich in talent capable of creating characters, stories and visual worlds rooted in our culture and able to compete globally. What creators need is an ecosystem that connects creativity with expertise, production and the market. This is the vision behind SACC’s expansion. We are not simply expanding an event; we are bringing the industry together to help creators turn ideas into projects that can reach wider audiences and grow.”

He added: “Sharjah’s vision, established by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, recognises investment in culture as an investment in people and their ability to shape the future. Under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, we are translating that vision into opportunities for creators and the cultural industries. We want SACC to help Arab creators develop their projects, connect with expertise, partners and markets, and take their stories and cultural identity to audiences around the world.”

Commenting on the announcement, Khoula Al Mujaini, Executive Director of SACC, stated: “The 2026 edition marks a new stage in the conference’s journey, expanding opportunities for creators across visual storytelling. Bringing comics and animation under one identity widens the range of expertise at SACC, from writers, illustrators and animators to publishers and producers, creating greater opportunities to exchange knowledge, develop projects and build professional connections.”

She added: “Talent is the starting point, but building a career in the creative industries also requires knowledge, experience, professional networks and access to opportunities. This edition focuses on what comes next: helping creators develop their skills, present their projects, build industry connections and reach new opportunities and markets. We want every creator at SACC to find something that helps them take the next step in their career.”

The conference will continue to support emerging and established talent through a programme featuring training sessions, showcases, networking opportunities and knowledge-sharing activities. The event will include advanced practical workshops, animation screenings and panel discussions featuring leading international creators and specialists in animation and comics.

Through its expanded format, SACC is also seeking to reinforce Sharjah’s role as a regional centre for the growth of cultural and creative industries.

The previous edition, held in May 2025, attracted more than 5,000 visitors from around the world and featured over 70 international experts. Discussions examined the future of animation and the relationship between technological innovation, artificial intelligence and human creativity.