Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi Announces AED 10M ‘Onshor’ Initiative To Support UAE Publishing
In a significant move to bolster the publishing industry in the United Arab Emirates, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishing Association (EPA), has unveiled the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund. This AED 10-million initiative, crafted in partnership with the Sharjah Book Authority and the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, is set to provide a substantial boost through financial support, specialised knowledge, and business acceleration opportunities aimed at spurring innovation within the sector.
The announcement came during a ceremony marking the EPA's 15th anniversary, an event that saw attendance from publishers and representatives of cultural organisations. These attendees lauded the EPA's pivotal role in enriching the knowledge industry in the UAE. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, reflecting on the EPA’s achievements, underscored her dedication to the sector's continued growth and called for Emirati publishers to seek global collaboration and embrace innovation for further development.
Ahmed Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, shed light on H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah's vision of nurturing culture and knowledge. He pointed out that the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund is a testament to Sharjah's enduring commitment to the publishing sector. Al Ameri elaborated on the fund's objective to bolster the industry's adaptability and resilience through three core pillars: enhancing existing publishers' capacities, driving innovation with publishing technology, and aiding emerging publishers via a business incubator.
Abdullah Al Kaabi, President of the EPA, extended his gratitude towards the Ruler of Sharjah and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi for their unwavering support of the publishing industry. This backing has been instrumental in its development within the UAE. The ceremony also served as a platform for Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi to acknowledge the contributions of partners such as the Sharjah Book Authority, the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, and various cultural organisations towards EPA’s success.
The launch of the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund is a landmark initiative aimed at reinforcing the publishing industry in the UAE. By offering financial assistance, imparting specialised knowledge, and facilitating business acceleration, this fund is poised to drive innovation and growth within this vital sector. This initiative not only commemorates EPA’s 15th anniversary but also signifies a continued commitment to collaboration and teamwork in promoting the Emirati book industry.
With inputs from WAM
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