Emirates Publishers Association Elevates UAE’s Presence at Frankfurt Book Fair
Seven distinguished Emirati publishing houses showcase the region's literary diversity and creative vision at one of the world's most prestigious publishing gatherings, whilst preparing for Sharjah's hosting of the 2028 International Publishers Congress.
The Emirates Publishers Association has established a commanding presence at Frankfurt Book Fair 2026, one of the publishing world’s most esteemed international forums, demonstrating the UAE’s growing prominence within the global literary landscape. The Association’s participation, running throughout the fair from 7 to 11 October, showcases seven accomplished Emirati publishing houses, each representing distinct facets of the nation’s vibrant and multifaceted publishing ecosystem.
This strategic engagement underscores the Association’s unwavering commitment to expanding the international reach of Emirati publishers, facilitating the exchange of publishing and translation rights, and cultivating enduring professional relationships with the global publishing community. The presence at this preeminent industry gathering reflects a broader vision of nurturing a publishing sector that is increasingly competitive, sustainable, and seamlessly integrated into international networks.
The participating publishers—Kalimat Group, Thaqafa for Publishing and Distribution, ELF Publishing, House101 Publishing & Distribution, Cuddle Family, Shaheen Printing, Publishing and Distribution, and Dar Al Qemma for Publishing and Distribution—collectively represent the remarkable range of the UAE’s editorial output, encompassing literature, cultural discourse, children’s books, and educational content. Their collective presence at Frankfurt provides an invaluable platform for presenting titles and editorial visions to publishing professionals worldwide, whilst simultaneously exploring opportunities for translation, distribution, and market expansion beyond the Emirates.
Beyond the exhibition floor, the Association is orchestrating a prestigious reception designed to strengthen professional connections and celebrate Emirati publishing achievement. This gathering, which brings together international publishers, cultural institution representatives, and media professionals, serves a particularly significant purpose: introducing Sharjah’s vision for hosting the 2028 International Publishers Congress whilst initiating dialogue with the global publishing community about this forthcoming event.
Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, articulated the profound importance of this participation: “Frankfurt Book Fair represents an important opportunity to strengthen the international presence of the UAE publishing industry and translate its creative diversity and professional expertise into broader opportunities for growth and collaboration. Books carry the culture, identity, ideas, and experiences of societies to the world, and as opportunities for translation and access to new markets expand, so too does the potential for dialogue, exchange, and influence.”
The Association is simultaneously advancing preparations for the 2028 Congress through a series of substantive meetings with members of the International Publishers Association. These discussions will focus on developing thematic frameworks that reflect the sector’s priorities, emerging challenges, and evolving landscape, ensuring that Sharjah’s Congress positions itself as a consequential forum for addressing the publishing industry’s most pressing considerations and shaping its future trajectory.
Source: WAM