Emirates Publishers Association Showcases Emirati Creativity At Frankfurt Book Fair 2025

The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) is participating in the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, showcasing Emirati creativity at this major global publishing event. Scheduled from 15th to 19th October, the fair gathers thousands of publishers, authors, and cultural experts worldwide. EPA's involvement aligns with its strategy to forge lasting professional partnerships and enhance a sustainable Emirati publishing ecosystem that adapts to global changes.

EPA's collective stand features seven Emirati publishing houses: Ghaf Publishing, Thaqafa Publishing and Distribution, Ajyaal Publishing House, University Book House, Austin Macauley Publishers, Bumelha Publishing & Distribution, and Ugarit Publishing. The displayed titles include QR codes linking to English summaries and contact details, facilitating rights sales and international collaboration.

A significant highlight is the launch of two German-language translations of Ajyaal Publishing House’s titles in partnership with Weltentdecker Verlag. These are "An Elephant on My Finger," which won the 2023 Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature, and "A Tale of Two Colours," winner of the 2023 Sharjah Children’s Book Award. Ajyaal has also signed agreements with Asian Book House to translate "An Elephant on My Finger" into Uzbek and Russian.

Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of EPA, stated that the fair represents a milestone in boosting the global presence of Emirati publishing. He mentioned that their participation aims to promote rights exchange and translation opportunities across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. This contributes to a globally competitive and culturally rooted publishing sector.

Throughout the fair, EPA is organising meetings and networking sessions between Emirati publishers and international counterparts. These interactions aim to expand collaboration, strengthen professional ties, and advance Emirati literature in global markets. The programme includes an official reception bringing together Emirati and international publishers to foster dialogue.

This reception serves as a platform to showcase publications and highlight the UAE’s capabilities as a hub for cultural exchange. By engaging with international publishers, EPA seeks to enhance its role in the global publishing landscape.

The association's efforts at the fair are focused on promoting rights exchange and translation opportunities while building partnerships across various regions. This approach supports a sustainable Emirati publishing ecosystem capable of adapting to global transformations.

The participation of EPA at the Frankfurt Book Fair underscores its commitment to strengthening professional relationships within the industry. By doing so, it aims to contribute significantly to the international publishing landscape while maintaining cultural roots.

With inputs from WAM