UAE's Emirates Publishers Association Showcases Children's Literature At Beijing Book Fair 2025

The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) is participating in the 2025 Beijing International Book Fair. This event, Asia's largest platform for copyright exchange and the world's second-largest book fair, highlights the UAE's publishing industry. The focus is on children's literature and innovative educational content, showcasing the UAE's commitment to empowering Emirati publishers and enhancing international collaboration.

The EPA's stand at the fair offers a glimpse into the UAE's vibrant publishing scene. It features both established and emerging voices in children's literature and educational publishing. Among the participants are graduates from the "Onshur" programme, designed to support new publishing entrepreneurs with professional guidance. Notable publishers include Hamda Al Baloushi of Aalamkom Publishing and Distribution, Salim Abdulrahman of AlRewaya Publishing, and Ghassan Rabih from Dar Rabie Publishing.

Representing "Onshur" graduates are Dr. Asmaa Emara, who founded Dal for Publishing with a focus on Arabic language education, and Fatema Al Hammadi of Sohub Publishing and Distribution. Sohub specialises in educational materials for people of determination and students with autism. Their participation underscores the UAE's dedication to inclusive education through innovative content.

Engaging Events at the Fair

Running from 18th to 22nd June, the EPA's programme includes high-level events connecting UAE and Chinese publishing professionals. A highlight is the 2025 Global Children’s Book Forum themed "Integrated Innovation in Children’s Books Amid New Realities." This platform showcases the UAE's contributions to global children's publishing and promotes a culture of reading among young audiences.

A panel discussion titled "Nurturing Young Minds: Children’s Publishing Priorities in the UAE and China" features Hamda Al Baloushi, Ghassan Rabih, and prominent Chinese children’s publishers. This dialogue explores shared priorities in children's literature between both countries.

Strategic Opportunities for Growth

Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, emphasised that participating in major international book fairs offers strategic opportunities for copyrights exchange. He stated, "This year, we placed special focus on the UAE’s experience in children’s publishing—a field that conveys universal messages with a distinctly local spirit." He highlighted how young publishers are leading this field with vision and passion.

Al Kous also noted that their presence at such events aligns with the UAE's broader vision to support creative industries like publishing as tools for knowledge dissemination and cultural dialogue. He remarked that international platforms allow them to project their cultural voice globally.

Publisher Hamda Al Baloushi described her participation as a significant milestone in her career. She highlighted how it facilitated engagement with global publishers and opened new avenues for collaboration, particularly within Asian markets.

The presence of "Onshur" graduates at this prestigious event sends a clear message about youth shaping Emirati publishing's future. Their involvement demonstrates how young talents are driving innovation within this sector while maintaining authenticity rooted in local culture.

With inputs from WAM