Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) is witnessing a large turnout of book lovers at its standalone pavilion at the inaugural edition of the Al Madinah Al Munawwarah Book Fair in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) where 283 titles from 22 Emirati publishers are being showcased under the entity’s 'Manassah' project.
Committed to representing Emirati publishers locally and regionally, EPA is strengthening the outreach of its members in KSA with its presence at the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Center for Exhibitions and Conferences in Riyadh. The 10-day fair, which runs until June 25, is organised by the Kingdom’s two-year-old Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission under its strategic “Book Fairs” initiative.
As part of its activities at the debut edition of the book fair, EPA organised a meeting with HE Dr. Abdullatif Alwasel, General Manager of Publishing at the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, and discussed the opportunities book fairs in the Kingdom present to Emirati publishers.
Commenting on EPA’s participation, Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of EPA, said: “Our participation at the inaugural edition of the Al Madinah Al Munawwarah Book Fair is a great opportunity for our members to gain greater visibility and keep abreast of everything new in the publishing industry. The high footfall of visitors, publishers and other vital stakeholders in its first edition has enabled EPA’s Emirati publishers and authors to forge closer ties with the Saudi and international readers and further the cultural movement of the UAE.”
He added: “EPA’s participation in the book fair's debut edition reflects our strong bonds of friendship with industry stakeholders in Saudi Arabia. The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission has done a commendable job in organising this prestigious book fair which will go a long way in advancing the Arab publishing sector locally and regionally.”
EPA publishers participating at the book fair under the Manassah project include Al Qasimi Publications, Sadiqat Publishing and Distribution Books, Ashtar Publishing, Wow Publishing and Teaching Aids, Loaloa Publishing & Distribution, Altafarud Design and Publishing Services, Dar Al Saif Publishing, Dar Qessa Publishing and Distribution, Bibliosmia Publishing and Distribution, Nour Publishing, Al Riyada Publishing & Printing, Madar Publishing and Distribution, Dar Al Ramsa for Publishing Books and other Publication Services Company, Ibn Al Arabi Foundation for Research and Publishing, The Dreamwork Collective, Bawabat Al Kitab Publishing and Distribution, Dar Al Andalus Publishing, Dar Hamaleel Publishing, Al Thabi Publishing and Distribution, Dar Al Marefa Bookshop, Dar Maheroon, and Dar Waraq Publishing and Distribution.