Offers a broad range of courses and workshops that will bridge the skills gap of
both novices and publishing professionals in the UAE and across the Arab region

• Training programme announced during an EPA board meeting held at the 30th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 
• EPA’s Manassah platform has offered global representation and visibility to 16 of its member publishers who are all small, local entrepreneurs
• EPA’s Board also discuss a plan to establish a distribution company under the directives of the Sharjah Ruler 

The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) has announced the launch of its Publishers Training Programme to deliver high-quality training at cost-effective rates and help boost the ongoing development of industry professionals and stakeholders.

The new programme will encompass all core industry functions, including writing, editing, publishing, printing, distribution, and marketing, amongst others, and seeks to fulfill both existing and emerging needs of publishing professionals in the UAE and across the Middle East.

With the programme’s launch, EPA has marked a key milestone in furthering its commitment to facilitate knowledge and expertise exchange and to continually grow and strengthen the publishing industry in UAE and the wider region.

The launch of the programme was announced during EPA’s latest board meeting held on the side-lines of the ongoing 30th edition of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF). Several key topics of vital importance to the industry were addressed at the meeting, which also approved the minutes of its previous meeting.

Sixteen EPA members with 166 titles are benefitting from being represented at ADIBF through the entity’s Manassah platform, which has enabled them to gain visibility at this prestigious international industry event without bearing any costs.

Publishers interested in taking part in the newly launched training programme or require further information can visit www.epa.org.ae. On completing registration, users will receive updates on the available courses.

Commenting on the launch of the programme, Ali Obaid Bin Hatem, President of EPA, said: “The launch of the Publishers Training Programme is in line with EPA’s vision to enhance the sustainability and prosperity of the local and regional publishing industries by ensuring that all stakeholders across the supply chain are equipped with the knowledge, skills and acumen required to be at the forefront of new developments.”

He added: “By providing the highest level of training and global know-how, we aim to promote industry best practices here in the UAE and build a pioneering generation of publishing professionals in the region who will be empowered to advance EPA’s goal of quality of Arabic language publishing. In the long-term, EPA will expand the programme’s training courses and auxiliary services such as an annual forum and field visits across nations in the Middle East to cement its position as the regional hub for promoting publishing excellence.”

Through a broad range of specialised courses aimed at bridging the skills gap of both new-comers and professionals in the ever-evolving world of publishing, the Publishers Training Programme seeks to advance their industry knowledge and empower them to grow their businesses sustainably while contributing to quality education and learning in their respective countries.

The programme will draw upon the wide knowledge base of a team of both UAE-based and international experts from across all sectors to lead the professional workshops and training sessions.

By elevating the administrative, technical, marketing, and media skills of the staff of publishing houses, including designers, researchers, and editors, as well as distributors and owners of print establishments, the practical courses offered will be an enriching experience for all publishing industry professionals. All courses will be provided at nominal fees to ensure maximum participation.

EPA’s Board of Directors also discussed the plan to establish a distribution company under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and considered its impact on the reality of the publishing industry in the UAE and the region.