Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association Discusses Future Plans At Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

The Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA) recently held its third annual general assembly meeting at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025. During this session, members discussed the association's achievements in 2024 and approved plans and budgets for 2025. This step highlights ERRA's dedication to transparency and enhancing institutional involvement in future planning.

Mohamed Bin Dakhen, President of ERRA's Board, emphasised the strategic importance of holding the general assembly during the fair. He noted that it offers a chance to assess performance and improve governance. Bin Dakhen stated, "The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is a leading national platform that brings together diverse stakeholders across the culture and creative sectors. It presents an ideal occasion for convening our general assembly, showcasing our efforts in supporting creators, and developing new partnerships that respond to the rapidly evolving digital publishing landscape."

ERRA's participation at the book fair underscores its commitment to engaging with cultural events and raising awareness about reprographic rights and intellectual property. The association aims to protect authors' rights amid challenges from digital advancements and expanding publishing tools. This involvement also highlights ERRA’s role in fostering a legal environment that respects intellectual property rights.

Bin Dakhen further explained that ERRA’s participation is part of its ongoing commitment to raising public awareness of reprographic rights, promoting the responsible use of content, and cultivating a culture of respect for reprographic rights and related rights. He also highlighted the association’s efforts to strengthen engagement with authors and publishers, expand the scope of mandates and memberships, and enhance collaboration with educational institutions, libraries, and universities to facilitate legal licensing of works within a structured framework that balances fair use with rights protection.

The association's presence at such events reflects its dedication to establishing a strong presence in major cultural gatherings. This involvement helps ERRA engage with publishing and creative sectors to highlight the significance of reprographic rights. The association also seeks to broaden relationships with partners in publishing, creative, and educational fields while reinforcing its role in protecting intellectual property rights.

Bin Dakhen added, "We are keen on making our participation in this global cultural event an opportunity to introduce the association’s services, membership mechanisms, and the vital role of mandates in rights protection. It is also a chance to broaden our relationships with partners in the publishing, creative, and educational sectors while reaffirming the association’s role in safeguarding intellectual property rights within a comprehensive framework that fosters cultural production and supports knowledge sustainability."

Strategic Opportunities at ADIBF

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair serves as an essential platform for direct interaction with various stakeholders from culture and creative industries. It provides an opportunity for ERRA to showcase its support for creators while forming new partnerships tailored to the changing digital publishing landscape. The event allows ERRA to introduce its services and membership processes effectively.

ERRA’s participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair reflects its sustained efforts to establish a legal and cultural environment that respects intellectual property rights, supports creators, and safeguards their work—contributing to the growth of the creative economy in the UAE and reinforcing its position as a hub for innovation and creativity.

With inputs from WAM