Emirates Publishers Association Showcases Emirati Talent At London Book Fair To Strengthen Global Ties

The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) is expanding its international reach by participating in the London Book Fair. This event is a major platform for rights negotiation, content sales, and distribution across various formats. The EPA's involvement includes seven Emirati publishers, two of whom are graduates of the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur). This aligns with the EPA's mission to empower Emirati publishers and establish the UAE as a key player in the global publishing industry.

Kalimat Group, one of the participating publishers, started in 2007 with a focus on children's literature. Over time, it has grown to include five specialised imprints that cater to different age groups and literary genres. Another participant, 'Dar AlFikr AlJadeed,' focuses on training manuals and resources for human capital development, emphasising educational and managerial solutions for business professionals.

'Sidra Publishing and Distribution' is also part of the delegation. It specialises in translating global literary works into Arabic, covering fields like literature, philosophy, and the arts. This effort enriches Arabic cultural content significantly. 'Thaqafa Publishing and Distribution,' established in 2008, aims to enhance the Arab cultural scene by offering high-quality publications that cater to diverse interests.

Ugarit Publishing focuses on early childhood education by providing advanced learning programmes designed to foster critical thinking and creativity among young learners. Additionally, winners from the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) Initiative are present at the fair. Shatha Nasser of Kairos Publishing translates classic literary masterpieces into Arabic, while Maryam Thani AlFalasi of Ghaim Publishing translates literature from Asian languages.

Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, commented on this participation: "The UAE's presence at international events such as the London Book Fair reflects the remarkable growth of the country's publishing sector. We firmly believe that building global relationships with publishers worldwide opens up new avenues for collaboration and fosters knowledge and cultural exchange between nations."

He further stated: "Empowering young publishers, particularly Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) graduates, underscores our dedication to nurturing emerging talent and creating a sustainable environment that supports the growth of the publishing industry both locally and globally."

The EPA's participation at this fair reaffirms its commitment to supporting local publishers by opening new horizons for them to seize global opportunities. This involvement contributes to advancing the publishing sector while strengthening its presence in international markets.

With inputs from WAM