[Exclusive SACC Special] Animation Must Remain Grounded in Human Creativity

As new technologies and production methods reshape the animation business, the Sharjah Animation & Comics Conference (SACC) is building a meeting point between the Arab world and the international industry.

Now an established fixture on the emirate’s cultural calendar, the event combines professional programming with workshops and screenings open to emerging talent, positioning Sharjah as a rising hub for characters, stories and IP regionally.

The Animation Journal spoke with SACC’s Executive Director, Khoula Al Mujaini, about the event’s mission, its growth and its place within Sharjah’s cultural strategy.

How do you see the animation industry changing, and where does SACC stand?

Animation is being reshaped by new technologies and changing production methods. At the Sharjah Animation and Comics Conference, we believe this evolution must remain grounded in human creativity: the ability to develop characters and narratives that connect with audiences. As the industry evolves, it increasingly needs platforms where creative practitioners can exchange knowledge, test ideas, develop their skills and build international relationships.

How does the conference turn that vision into practice?

This purpose guides our work at SACC. We bring international and regional professionals together with artists, illustrators, content creators and emerging talent through discussions, workshops, screenings and creative experiences. It provides opportunities for practical learning, professional development, industry exchange and collaboration. It also enables participants to engage with developments affecting the field, from storytelling and character creation to production technologies and the business of taking content to wider audiences.

What were the results of the last edition?

At SACC’s third edition in 2025, we welcomed more than 5,600 visitors and brought together creative professionals from 18 countries.

SACC is an initiative of the Sharjah Book Authority. How does it fit into the emirate’s wider strategy?

SACC is part of Sharjah’s wider commitment to creativity, reading and knowledge exchange, and is an initiative of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA).

Established under the vision and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. SBA supports publishing and the wider literary sector while building connections across rights, bookselling, libraries, readership and international cultural exchange.

Why should a book authority invest in animation and comics?

This work provides a strong foundation for engagement with related creative fields in which stories and intellectual property move beyond the printed page. Through SACC, we extend that approach into animation and comics, creating a space where regional and international experience can meet and where established professionals and emerging creators can contribute to the industry’s continued development.