Emirates Publishers Association forges strategic partnerships to strengthen publishing sector at Sharjah Book Fair

The EPA signs pivotal agreements with the Sharjah Media Council and Publishing 3.0+ to expand opportunities for Emirati publishers and connect regional talent with international markets.

At the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, the Emirates Publishers Association has taken significant steps to elevate the nation’s publishing industry through two strategic Memoranda of Understanding and convened the Arab Publishers’ Association’s board to chart a course for regional growth.

The partnership with the Sharjah Media Council focuses on tangible support for Emirati publishers, streamlining administrative procedures and improving access to sector-specific services. The agreement extends further to organise joint awareness initiatives that will strengthen the visibility and reach of local publishing enterprises across traditional and emerging platforms.

In a move toward cultural and commercial exchange, the EPA has also partnered with Publishing 3.0+ to launch a pilot translation programme connecting Chinese and Arabic languages. This initiative transcends simple translation work, encompassing content exchange, rights management and commercial cooperation designed to link publishers across the UAE, Hong Kong and mainland China. As we reported in the celebration of 14,000 titles from 82 local publishers at this year’s book fair, such international pathways amplify the voices of Emirati authors and publishing houses on the global stage.

The board meeting of the Arab Publishers’ Association, hosted as part of the EPA’s fair programme, brought together representatives from publishers’ associations across the region. The gathering focused on identifying critical challenges facing the sector and identifying mechanisms to fortify Emirati publishers’ standing within the broader Arab publishing landscape.

Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, highlighted the significance of these partnerships in enabling publishers to navigate administrative complexities more efficiently and access new tools for translation work. He underscored the value of sustained professional dialogue and the cross-pollination of expertise in building a publishing industry of greater influence and reach, both within the UAE and internationally.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

These partnerships reflect a wider commitment to positioning the UAE’s publishing sector as a competitive force within regional and international markets. By simplifying procedures and creating access to services, local publishers gain the freedom to focus on content creation and market expansion rather than administrative hurdles. The translation initiative particularly opens pathways for Emirati voices to resonate across Asia and the Middle East, positioning local publishers as cultural intermediaries.

For Abu Dhabi’s creative economy, the strengthened ties between Emirati publishers and their Arab counterparts create opportunities for collaboration on shared challenges and market opportunities. The emphasis on professional cooperation and expertise exchange signals a maturing industry that recognises its potential to contribute to the nation’s cultural and economic influence.

Source: WAM