Bodour Al Qasimi Champions UAE Publishing Sector's Global Ascent

The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) recently convened for its seventh regular general assembly meeting, a significant gathering that brought together the Members of the Board, the Association’s Executive Office members, and representatives from the Ministry of Community Development. The assembly, which saw members participating both in person and remotely, marked a pivotal moment for the publishing sector in the United Arab Emirates.

With a quorum confirmed by the Ministry’s representative, the assembly approved the draft budget for the current year and deliberated on the programme of activities and work plan for 2024. The agenda for the coming year is ambitious, encompassing workshops, sessions, events, and anticipated participation in both local and international book fairs. These activities are designed to support local publishers and boost their global presence in the publishing arena.

A report from the Members of EPA Board highlighted the activities undertaken in 2023, setting the stage for a collaborative discussion on strategies to enhance the UAE’s publishing sector. The goal is clear: to elevate the sector to global standards and reinforce its significant contribution to sustainable cultural, social, and economic development in the country.

Participants expressed their appreciation for Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of EPA, acknowledging her active role and innovative initiatives in advancing the UAE publishing sector. Emirati writer and publisher Amira Boukadra, Co-Founder of Ghaf Publications, praised Sheikha Bodour’s efforts, stating, "Sheikha Bodour’s initiatives have played a pivotal role in bringing about a qualitative transformation in the UAE’s publishing sector."

The meeting coincided with EPA’s active participation in several prominent cultural events nationwide. Notably, it engaged in the 33rd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, featuring an extensive programme that included buying and selling rights sessions with international publishers from Cyprus, China, Turkey, and India. Additionally, dialogue sessions focused on book translation, artificial intelligence in publishing, and buying and selling rights for book publication and translation were part of the event's agenda.

In its commitment to supporting the children’s literature industry in the UAE and the region, EPA is also participating in the 15th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF). Themed ‘Once Upon a Hero’, this festival is organized by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and runs until 12 May at the Expo Centre Sharjah. The festival includes meetings with local and international publishers involved in children’s literature to explore cooperation opportunities to enhance Emirati books’ global presence.

Operating within a strategic plan dedicated to serving and developing the publishing sector in the UAE, EPA aims to improve conditions for publishing professionals, enhance industry regulations, and foster domestic and international collaboration with relevant authorities. This concerted effort underscores EPA’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant publishing ecosystem that contributes significantly to the nation's cultural landscape.

With inputs from WAM