Sharjah is expanding its global cultural footprint with the launch of the newly renamed Sharjah Animation and Comics Conference 2026 (SACC) that is all set to take place in March 2026 at a larger venue and with a wider programme range.
The 2026 edition, an expanded evolution of the Sharjah Animation Conference, will see the debut of an ‘Animation and Comics Market’, marking a major step in expanding industry opportunities for creators. Set to run from 26-29 March 2026, the fourth edition will much bigger in scale than the previous years. Spanning a space three times larger than last year, SACC 2026 will see an expanded programme featuring bigger stages, larger exhibition areas, more hands-on workshops, and immersive activations, an official statement announced.
Creators’ Census
As part of its expanded mandate, SACC will launch an official census of Arab illustrators, authors, artists, animators, and creatives working across Middle East and North Africa. This initiative aims to create the first comprehensive mapping of the region’s creative community, inviting all Arab creators to participate and contribute to building a long-term ecosystem.
Organised annually by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), SACC has become one of the region’s most influential gatherings for illustrators, animators, publishers, producers and emerging creators. The 2025 edition drew over 5,000 visitors from around the world, hosting over 70 international experts exploring the rising intersection of AI-driven innovation and human imagination.
Khoula Al Mujaini, Executive Director of SACC, reaffirmed that the conference continues to build on the cultural vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA).
“Sharjah has always believed in the power of creativity to drive knowledge, innovation, and cultural exchange. Through the Sharjah Animation and Comics Conference, we are not only connecting creators from across the region and the world, but also nurturing a vibrant ecosystem where Arab talent can thrive, collaborate, and shine on the global stage. SACC 2026 represents our commitment to building a future where storytelling and imagination shape industries, inspire communities, and elevate the region’s creative voice internationally,” she said in the statement.
For more information on the upcoming conference, visit www.sharjahanimation.com
