The publishing industry in the United Arab Emirates is experiencing significant growth, indicating a promising future for this important cultural sector. The creation of this entity has been fueled by the dedicated work of the Emirates Publishers Association, which recently marked its 15th anniversary in Sharjah. Their journey has been filled with impressive accomplishments and achievements, establishing their place in the cultural and publishing world.
Established in 2009 with a forward-thinking approach, the Emirates Publishers Association's objectives were defined by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA). The Association has set out on a mission to bolster and enhance the publishing industry in the UAE, foster local publishers, overcome challenges, and promote Emirati literature on both domestic and international levels.
The Association has made significant progress and achieved many groundbreaking milestones since it was established. In an amazing achievement, the organisation managed to secure memberships in both the Arab Publishers Union and the International Publishers Association within its inaugural year, marking an unprecedented achievement for a national union.
Sheikha Bodour's unwavering dedication to advancing the publishing industry in the UAE and the Arab world has resulted in significant achievements. Under her guidance, the association successfully obtained permanent membership in the International Publishers Association in 2012. The members were granted the exclusive privilege of joining prestigious organisations, which greatly enhanced their ability to expand their activities and projects on both regional and international levels.
Over the years, the association has achieved great success in bolstering the sustainability of the Emirati publishing sector and promoting Emirati culture both at home and abroad through a variety of groundbreaking initiatives. A new initiative called the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshor / Publish) has been launched by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi during a special celebration to commemorate the Association's 15th anniversary. The fund is valued at 10 million dirhams.
The association started with 10 publishers and has since expanded its membership to over 330 publishers. This growth is a testament to its effectiveness in achieving its goals and actively contributing to the industry. It provides support to its members by organising their activities, aligning their goals, protecting their rights, facilitating their operations, offering growth opportunities, and advocating for them in cultural discussions at local and global levels.
The Association has been dedicated to creating a nurturing atmosphere to foster growth in the Emirati publishing industry and boost its global competitiveness. The Association has actively taken part in both local and regional book fairs, along with renowned international book exhibitions across the globe. These events have served as significant platforms to highlight the country's successful publishing experience to a global audience. This enables Emirati publishers to enter new markets, enhances the exchange of publishing rights and translations, and offers Emirati book professionals the chance to gain insights into global experiences and the latest advancements in the publishing industry. This expands their chances to have a significant impact on shaping publishing strategies and legislation at the local, regional, and international levels.
In its ongoing commitment to the publishing industry in the country and the creation of high-quality content with strong themes, the association has successfully launched and implemented various initiatives. These efforts have played a crucial role in establishing best practices for local and Arab publishing. Sharjah and the UAE have become a thriving hub for Arab publishing. One of the most notable initiatives is the "Publisher Training Programme," which is the first of its kind in the Arab region. It aims to provide a comprehensive package of training workshops for publishers locally and regionally in collaboration with a select group of experts. These workshops provide comprehensive coverage of different aspects, including writing, publishing, distribution, editing, printing, and marketing.
In order to assist publishers in overcoming challenges and equipping them with cutting-edge tools for greater success, the association has launched a number of programmes. An initiative called the "Crisis Fund for Emirati Publishers" has been launched by Sheikha Budoor. With a budget of one million Emirati dirhams, the fund aims to provide support to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure the continuity of their creative and cultural initiatives.
In collaboration with "Nielsen Book Data," the organisation conducted a comprehensive study on the bibliographic data of books with the aim of preparing digital lists of printed books in the UAE. It offers precise and refined bibliographic information that adheres to global classification standards. Through this endeavour, the number of titles classified under the "Thema" classification saw a significant rise, reaching a total of 9,277 titles. This has greatly contributed to ensuring widespread global access to this data and creating more sales opportunities for publishers in the UAE.
In order to boost the publishing industry in the UAE, the association has established collaborative partnerships with various influential institutions in the publishing sector over the course of 15 years. Notable organisations in this field include the Arab Publishers Association, the Emirates Library and Information Association, the National Media Council, the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, and the Emirates Writers Union.
The collaborative efforts have led to the initiation of various projects and development programmes, benefiting the members of the association, enhancing their business prospects, and solidifying the UAE's prominent position in the region in safeguarding intellectual property rights.
Under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the Emirates Publishers Association has made significant progress in advancing the local publishing industry. Her guidance and support have been crucial in the association's success over the past fifteen years.
The association is committed to its mission of driving progress in the Emirati and Arab publishing sector. With a focus on innovation, quality services, and impactful projects, the association aims to develop policies and legislation that will contribute to a sustainable and prosperous future. By doing so, the association aims to solidify the country's global leadership in publishing.