During its fourth and final board meeting for the year 2021 held recently, the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) discussed the outcomes of the objectives set by the entity during its previous meetings. The board members also approved the EPA’s projects and partnerships for 2022, alsongside having strategic discussions on specific projects that will be designed to continue advancing the UAE’s publishing industry next year.

The meeting began with the EPA’s President, Ali Obaid bin Hatem, as well as other board members extending their congratulations to HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces; and Rulers of the Emirates, on the occasion of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee.

The EPA board talked about cooperation opportunities with Emirati and Arab publishers and distributors to develop advanced distribution mechanisms as well as ways to further develop EPA’s training courses.

As the board approved projects for next year, including comprehensive services, training and the protection of intellectual properties, they looked back on the EPA’s achievements since 2009 to ensure that the entity’s future plans are aligned with their original mission.

The EPA President noted: “Our meeting coincides with the UAE’s 50th anniversary celebrations – an occasion to remember the achievements in the past five decades in all fields including the publishing sector. The unity of the country’s leadership and community in the past 50 years has been the strongest catalyst, enabling the country to take long strides in laying the foundation for a brighter future”.

He added: “The UAE has made the advancement of the publishing and distribution sectors a priority in order to increase and diversify the nation’s knowledge sources; something asserted as a prerequisite for sustainable development by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.”