EPA And Ministry Of Economy Sign MoU To Strengthen UAE's Publishing And Intellectual Property Sectors

H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), observed a significant development on Wednesday. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the EPA and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism during the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025. This agreement aims to boost cooperation in intellectual property and support the UAE's publishing industry.

The MoU was signed by Amira BuKadra, President of the EPA Board, and Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for the Intellectual Property Sector at the Ministry. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, was also present. The agreement seeks to create a framework for protecting intellectual property rights and raising awareness about safeguarding creative content.

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi expressed her commitment to cultural innovation and creator rights through this partnership. She stated, "The signing of this MoU between the EPA and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism embodies our steadfast commitment to supporting cultural innovation and protecting the rights of creators." The agreement reflects a belief in knowledge as essential for sustainable development.

Amira BuKadra highlighted that this agreement is crucial for building a sustainable knowledge ecosystem. She said, "We are delighted to sign this MoU with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism within the framework of the SIBF, a leading platform celebrating knowledge and creativity." This step aims to advance the book industry while expanding cooperation with national institutions focused on intellectual property.

The MoU outlines plans for joint training initiatives to empower local publishers. It also encourages collaboration with regional and international partners. By promoting expertise exchange in legislation, innovation, and knowledge, it aims to strengthen a balanced knowledge economy that protects rights while encouraging creative production.

Al Saleh noted that this MoU demonstrates the ministry's dedication to collaborating with various partners. He added, "Through this partnership, we aim to develop an advanced legislative framework that provides creators and publishers with the ideal environment for growth." The goal is to enhance UAE's competitiveness regionally through joint initiatives in training and knowledge exchange.

Fostering Innovation

The agreement includes provisions for developing a legislative environment supportive of intellectual property rights. It will back research projects fostering innovation in publishing. Cooperation will extend to organising conferences, workshops, exhibitions promoting creativity, and participation in international meetings with organisations like the World Intellectual Property Organisation.

Sheikha Bodour affirmed her support for national initiatives enhancing UAE’s role as a cultural hub. She stated that since its inception, EPA has promoted publishing culture. Through strategic partnerships like this one, they aim to empower publishers by opening new collaboration avenues with national institutions in intellectual property fields.

This collaboration marks an important step towards reinforcing UAE’s position as a global centre for culture and knowledge. By nurturing an environment conducive to creators' growth, it supports thinkers and content producers while enhancing competitiveness in creative economy sectors.

With inputs from WAM