Emirates Publishers Association Highlights UAE Publishing At Greece Book Fair

As part of its participation in Sharjah’s Guest of Honour Programme at the 39th Thessaloniki International Book Fair in Greece, the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) shared the UAE’s distinguished publishing experience with an international audience. The fair, which began on 16th May and concludes today, provided a platform for the association to highlight its efforts in advancing the Emirati and Arab publishing sector.

Under the visionary leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the association, the EPA has curated a comprehensive programme for its participation. The objective is to represent Emirati publishers, showcase their publications, foster collaboration with Greek and international publishers, and strengthen ties with organisers to explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation in translation to and from Arabic.

The delegation representing the association at the fair includes Abdullah Al Kaabi, President of the EPA Board and co-founder of Dar Al Ramsa; Amira BinKadra, Vice President of the EPA Board and co-founder of Ghaf Publishing House; Fatima Al Khatib, member of the EPA Board and founder of Sidra Publishing House; and Khalid Al-Ali, founder of Bawabat Al Kitab Publishing.

Al Kaabi emphasised Sharjah's role as the first Arab Guest of Honour at the fair. He noted that Greece's recognition of Sharjah's contributions to Arab and human culture reflects the enduring relationship between Sharjah’s cultural institutions and their Greek counterparts. This presents an opportunity to strengthen joint efforts in the cultural sphere.

Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, highlighted Sharjah's participation as a milestone in enhancing cultural ties between the UAE and Greece. He affirmed the association's commitment to introducing Greek and international publishers to the Emirati publishing market, fostering collaboration, and contributing to the growth of the book industry in the UAE.

The association's agenda included dialogue sessions highlighting the Emirati publishing experience. Key sessions included "Bridging Cultures through Publishing: Greek and Emirati perspectives," featuring Abdullah Al Kaabi and Amira Bin Kadra alongside Greek publisher Argiris Kastaniotis from Kastaniotis Publishing. Participants discussed the pivotal role of publishing in fostering cultural exchanges between Greece and the UAE.

Sessions on Cultural Preservation

Another session featured Ameera BinKadra and Khalid Al Ali in conjunction with Greek publishers from Entypois Publications, Papadimas Publications, and Nikas Publications. They focused on publishing's vital role in preserving historical and cultural content. Additionally, they discussed its impact on educational resources and information dissemination.

The EPA hosted sessions for buying and selling publishing and translation rights. These sessions facilitated collaboration between Emirati and international publishers, expanding the presence of Arabic literature on the global stage.

With inputs from WAM