World’s first large-scale print-on-demand operation launched in the UAE

Sharjah: The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and Ingram Content Group’s print-on-demand company, Lightning Source LLC, have launched a joint venture, “Lightning Source Sharjah”, bringing the world’s first large-scale print-on-demand operations to the Middle East and North Africa.

The collaboration will enable publishers to meet the growing consumer demand in the region significantly faster and more efficiently through access to Ingram’s robust global distribution network of over 40,000 retailers as well as to libraries, schools and universities.

Located at the Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone, Lightning Source Sharjah is currently enabling UAE retailers the option of ordering books directly from international publishers to quickly meet the demands of the market. Ingram Content Group’s market-leading print-on-demand service has access to millions of titles in over 170 different languages and many publishers have already signed up to make their books available to retailers and distributors in the UAE and the region.

The Lightning Source Sharjah facility, equipped with first-rate technology and digital publishing innovations, has the capacity to quickly process and ship print-on-demand orders, reducing waste and lowering the overall carbon footprint while strengthening the supply chain by printing exact quantities closer to the consumer. The Sharjah facility has the capacity to process print-on-demand orders within 24 hours and can ship to select destinations within 48 hours.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said, “We are keen on forging international partnerships to drive greater advances in the publishing sector on a local and regional level, in addition to offering access to knowledge sources to all segments of the community, aligning with the directives and vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to help build knowledge-based societies.”

“The launch of Lightning Source Sharjah services provides publishers, distributors, and those who operate in the sector significant opportunities to expand their access to books and content, as well as their outreach into regional markets. This first-of-its-kind project in the region reinforces Sharjah’s infrastructure strategically to support global investment in the book market and creative industries while serving to boost the emirate’s status on the global cultural map,” he added. World first print on demand UAE World first print on demand UAE

Lightning Source is part of the Ingram Content Group of companies, a world leader in POD which connects publishers with the world’s largest distribution channel of book wholesalers and retailers.

WAM