Sharjah24: The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) held its seventh regular general assembly meeting with the presence of the Members of Board, the Association’s Executive Office members, and representatives from the Ministry of Community Development. Members participated in person and remotely.

Following the announcement from the Ministry’s representative confirming the achievement of a quorum, the assembly commenced its proceedings. During the meeting, the draft budget for the current year was approved, and the programme of activities and work plan for 2024 were discussed, including workshops, sessions, events, and anticipated participation in local and international book fairs aimed at supporting local publishers and enhancing their global presence in the publishing arena.

The meeting also included a report from the Members of EPA Board detailing the preceding year’s activities (2023) and a collaborative discussion among participating publishers on strategies to enhance the publishing sector in the United Arab Emirates. The objective is to elevate it to global standards and reinforce its significant contribution to sustainable cultural, social, and economic development in the country.

Participating publishers expressed their appreciation for the active role of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishing Association (EPA), in advancing the UAE publishing sector and her innovative initiatives to support Emirati publishers.

Emirati writer and publisher Amira Boukadra, Co-Founder of Ghaf Publications commented, “I am pleased to extend my deepest thanks and gratitude to Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi for her tremendous efforts in advancing the publishing industry and supporting publishers in the UAE. Sheikha Bodour’s initiatives have played a pivotal role in bringing about a qualitative transformation in the UAE’s publishing sector, serving as a supportive ally in the journey of Emirati publishers, opening up broad horizons for growth and excellence both locally and globally.”

This meeting coincided with the association’s active participation in several prominent cultural events nationwide. Notably, it engaged in the 33rd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, featuring an extensive programme encompassing buying and selling rights sessions with international publishers from Cyprus, China, Turkey, and India. Additionally, dialogue sessions focused on book translation, artificial intelligence in publishing, and buying and selling rights for book publication and translation.

As part of its commitment to supporting the children’s literature industry in the UAE and the region, the association is also taking part in the 15th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF). Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the festival is themed ‘Once Upon a Hero’ and will run until 12 May at the Expo Centre Sharjah. Activities include meetings with local and international publishers involved in children’s literature to explore cooperation opportunities to enhance Emirati books’ global presence.

Operating within a strategic plan, the association is dedicated to serving and developing the publishing sector in the UAE to improve conditions for publishing professionals, enhance industry regulations, and foster domestic and international collaboration with relevant authorities.