Role of Emirates Publishers Association in Industry Growth

What is EPA?

EPA was established in 2009 by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. It supports the expansion of the UAE publishing industry.

Also, it aims to represent Emirati publishers globally and locally, assisting their involvement in cultural events both intellectually and culturally.

Major events:

EPA is making a lot of contributions to major Latin American cultural events in order to expand its worldwide network and strengthen the UAE’s position in international publishing as part of an overall plan to improve international cooperation.

The Association had a lot of activities planned for June 2025 in Brazil.  The Rio International Book Fair, the biggest literary public event in Latin America, is one of four major publishing events in Rio de Janeiro that its team attended.  

Other events include the Rio International Publishers Summit and the Publisher Summit, which supports women in leadership roles in publishing.

The Brazilian Book Chamber is hosting the 6th Professional Journey, where the EPA is participating. The meeting offers Emirati publishers a chance to interact with professionals and buyers in the Portuguese-speaking market.  The program covers topics including translation and rights exchange.

Also, the EPA is participating in the Rio International Publishers Summit, and will bring together specialists from across the world to discuss topics such as audiobooks, publishing technology, and reading promotion.

Moreover, the EPA also had meetings with the representatives of the cultural and publishing sectors.

The main purpose of such meetings and activities is to promote Emirati literature globally.

In order to share Arab stories with a larger audience, international events offer a crucial platform for cooperation, translation, and co-publishing. 

These programs are a part of EPA's broader plan to establish the UAE as a key player in the international publishing sector and to promote cultural exchange between Latin America and the Arab world, thus encouraging diversity and enhancing the voice of Emirati publishers in new markets.

Goal of the EPA:

It strives for the boost of the publishing industry in the UAE by skill-building programs that improve the expertise of the professionals in the field, upgrading industry standards and regulations.

Also, EPA is greatly concerned with protecting the publishing-related rights, i.e, intellectual property and translation.

Moreover, it promotes creativity and supports authors and publishers simultaneously, so that the UAE becomes a major center for literary innovation.

The EPA has initiated many public IP awareness drives and has also created a Reproduction Rights Organization (RRO) and a writers’ association for securing the rights of all authors.

Services:

EPA provides a lot of services that are intended to empower and uphold its members in the field of publishing. Also, it provides customized consultations to book publishers and assists them with publishing activities, like publication, printing, issuing, production, editing, and also the latest ideas, research, and industry reports. 

Moreover, they make sure that their members are knowledgeable and determined.

Also, EPA provides workshops and seminars that are custom-made for honing their publishing abilities. Also, they take care of the prices and needs of the publishing requirements of their members, facilitating them to widen their audience and increase their reach. 

International partnership:

EPA is highly concerned with organizing international partnerships to boost the publishing industry in the UAE and increase Emirati literature across the globe. Its main objectives include:

1. Involvement in the international book fairs: 

EPA is highly engaged with international book fairs like the London International Book Fair for networking, rights exchange, and cooperation between the Emirati publishers.

2. Cooperation with international publishing houses:

EPA’s goal is to strengthen its relationship with international publishing houses for discovering joint projects. Also, it aims to make Emirati literature available to a large audience.

3. Association with international organizations:

Since 2012, the association has been a partner of the International Publishers Association. Through this, it has been a part of the international meetings and objectives to improve the publishing sector.

By such initiatives and efforts, epa promotes the UAE’s presence in the international publishing market, promoting cultural exchange and expanding the Emirati literary works across the globe.

Future plans:

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will provide an opportunity to Emirati EPA member publishers

for matchmaking sessions with publishers from various countries, including Turkey and China.

Moreover, these discussions include potential copyright transactions and book purchasing and even partnerships with a book ghostwriting company, leading to the broadening of the reach of Emirati publications.

The Emirates Publishers Association will also arrange educational sessions and workshops for industry professionals. Also, these sessions include many topics related to the publishing industry, including publishing translated books, professionalism in publishing, e-book publishing, and the importance of data in the Arab publishing world.

Some major members of epa:

1. Amira BuKadra

President of the EPA Board

Amira BuKadra is an Emirati writer and publisher who is now the President of the Emirates Publishers Association Board. 

She is also the co-founder of Gluf Publications and Library, a platform to support Emirati literature and authors, offering reading experiences that draw from the richness of culture.

2. Dr. Abdullah Al Sharhan

Vice President of the  EPA Board

Abdullah Al Sharhan is an Emirati author, illustrator, and publisher. He is the Vice President of the Emirates Publishers Association Board and founder of Ajyal Publishing, which is an expert in Arabic content for children and young adults. 

3. Fatima Al Khateeb

Secretary and Member of The Board

 Fatima Al Khateeb is a known publisher. She is the Secretary and Board Member of the Emirates Publishers Association and founded Sidra Publishing in 2021 to support Arab creatives and spread Arabic literature internationally. 

Wrapping up!

To conclude, the Emirates Publishers Association is significant for influencing the publishing landscape of the United Arab Emirates, enabling regional publishers, and introducing Emirati literature to a worldwide audience. 

Also, the UAE's position in the international literary scene is enhanced by its active participation in international book fairs, strategic alliances, and cultural exchanges. 

Moreover, EPA guarantees the expansion and innovation of the industry by safeguarding publishing rights, assisting authors, and providing training.

Furthermore, making Emirati voices heard and respected globally by transforming the UAE into a center for literary innovation, cultural diversity, and significant international connections is its clear vision.