Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) ‘Manassah’ initiative has offered representation to a contingent of 13 publishers – all EPA members, at the 11th edition of Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival
(SCRF 2019), in its final leg at Sharjah Expo Centre. These publishers have enriched the festival’s literary offerings with 1,020 books encompassing 102 titles for children and young adults, of which 270 have already been sold.

Earlier this year, Manassah has already offered a platform to several children’s and young adult titles published by EPA members at various local and regional book fairs. Supported by Tilal Properties, Manassah is EPA’s latest initiative to boost the representation and outreach of its members publishers at top literary events and exhibitions via an independent stand.

Since its launch, the Manassah initiative has given upcoming local publishers the opportunity to participate in international book fairs in the Arab region, as well as other parts of the world, including Casablanca International Book Fair, Morocco; Muscat International Book Fair; Riyadh International Book Fair; and the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, so far.

These publishers are also showcasing their works at the ongoing Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF 2019), until April 30; and will go on to participate at Amman International Fair, Jordan; Sharjah International Book Fair; Kuwait International Book Fair; and Beirut International Arab Book Fair – all enabled by the Manassah initiative.

 

Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of EPA, said: “The Manassah initiative is on track to accomplish its goals and objectives as a platform to facilitate the EPA members’ representation at local and regional cultural events and exhibitions, which will offer them and their product unique visibility in these events through an independent stand. After less than three months, our members have participated in three Arab book fairs through this initiative, and we promise them more such opportunities at regional as well as international events.”

EPA was founded in 2009 under an initiative by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi,Vice President of the International Publishers Association (IPA) and Head of Advisory Committee of Sharjah World Book Capital (SWBC),who has led the efforts to advance the publishing industry in the UAE. The organisation is dedicated to serving and developing the publishing sector and advancing the role of Emirati publishers through training and mentorship programmes. EPA represents the interests of professionals in the UAE’s publishing industry by working on advancing their rights and has a remit to improve the conditions of the profession and its related laws in coordination with concerned authorities locally and internationally.