UAE Strengthens Global Publishing Ties at Beijing International Book Fair - Middle East Business News and Information
Represented by a distinguished selection of established and emerging publishing houses, the Emirates Publishers Association EPA is participating in the 2025 edition of the Beijing International Book Fair, shining a spotlight on the UAE's experience in developing its publishing industry—particularly in the fields of children's literature and innovative educational content.
This participation in Asia's largest copyrights exchange platform—and the second largest book fair in the world—reflects the EPA's ongoing commitment to empowering Emirati publishers, expanding opportunities for international collaboration, and strengthening the UAE's presence on the global publishing stage.
Showcasing Diversity and Vision:
The EPA's stand at the fair serves as a vibrant window into the UAE's dynamic publishing landscape, showcasing a unique blend of seasoned expertise and emerging voices in children's literature and educational publishing. Among the participants are publishers who graduated from the 'Onshur' programme—an initiative launched to empower the next generation of publishing entrepreneurs in the UAE by empowering them with professional and technical support.
Featured publishers include Hamda Al Baloushi, Manager of Aalamkom Publishing and Distribution, and Treasurer and Board Member of the EPA, Salim Abdulrahman, Managing Director of AlRewaya Publishing, and Ghassan Rabih, representative of Dar Rabie Publishing.
Representing the 'Onshur' graduates are Dr. Asmaa Emara, Founder of Dal for Publishing, a publishing house dedicated to innovative approaches to Arabic language education, and Fatema Al Hammadi, Founder of Sohub Publishing and Distribution, which specialises in educational content for people of determination and students with autism.
Bridging Culture Through Publishing:
Running from 18 to 22 June, the Association's programme at the fair features a series of high-level events uniting content creators and publishing professionals from the UAE and China. A key event on the agenda is the 2025 Global Children's Book Forum, centred on the theme 'Integrated Innovation in Children's Books Amid New Realities.' Through this platform, the Association highlighted UAE's pioneering contributions to the global book industry, particularly in advancing children's publishing and fostering a culture of reading among young minds.
The event agenda also features a panel discussion titled 'Nurturing Young Minds: Children's Publishing Priorities in the UAE and China,' with participation from publishers, Hamda Al Baloushi and Ghassan Rabih, alongside a group of distinguished Chinese children's publishers.
Global Messages with a Local Spirit:
Commenting on the Association's participation, His Excellency Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, emphasised that the EPA's presence at major international book fairs represents a strategic opportunity for copyrights exchange, expanding professional networks, and exploring new markets for Emirati and Arabic content. He stated:
'This year, we placed special focus on the UAE's experience in children's publishing—a field that conveys universal messages with a distinctly local spirit, led by young publishers who possess clear vision and genuine passion. By empowering them, we are laying the foundation for a new generation that embodies innovation and authenticity.'
His Excellency further noted: 'Our participation in the Beijing International Book Fair is an extension of the UAE's broader vision to support creative industries—particularly publishing—as a vital tool for knowledge dissemination and cultural dialogue. Each international platform is an opportunity to project our cultural voice globally and to showcase the wealth of creative potential that the UAE holds. The presence of 'Onshur' graduates at an event of this calibre sends a clear message: the youth are a powerful force shaping the future of Emirati publishing.'
Publisher Hamda Al Baloushi described her participation as a significant milestone in her professional journey, highlighting the opportunity it provided for engagement and exchange with publishers from around the world. She added that it had opened new avenues for collaboration and copyrights exchange, particularly in the Asian market.
She said: 'Our presence here not only reflects the quality of Emirati content, but also the prominent status that the UAE publishing sector has achieved on the global stage. I am proud to be part of this movement and to represent the UAE at one of the world's most important cultural events.'
Ongoing Efforts:
Through its active presence at prestigious international cultural events such as this, the EPA continues to advance its long-term strategic goals—chief among them being the development of the UAE's publishing ecosystem. This is achieved by connecting Emirati publishers with global networks, encouraging content export, and reinforcing the UAE's position as a dynamic hub in the international publishing industry.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Identity
an hour ago
- Identity
Egyptian Artists on the Rise: Spotify's Loud & Clear Report Highlights Global Reach and Independent Artist Growth
Egyptian artists are reaching new heights in the streaming world, building international audiences and growing their earnings. On the heels of World Music Day, Spotify has released its Loud & Clear report — shared for the first time in Egypt — offering a transparent look at how artists are benefiting from streaming, and how local sounds are resonating far beyond national borders. Loud & Clear, Spotify's annual music economics report, was created to bring greater clarity to the music industry by breaking down where royalties come from, how they are distributed, and who is earning. The 2024 Egypt edition paints a picture of an independent-driven music scene with global momentum and a growing local fan base. Royalties for Egyptian Artists Up 5x Since 2022 According to the report, royalties earned by Egyptian artists on Spotify have increased more than fivefold since 2022, with a 100% rise between 2023 and 2024 alone. The sharp year-on-year increase highlights growing listener engagement with Egyptian music — both at home and abroad — and reflects the continued evolution of streaming into a key source of income for artists. 'This is a pivotal moment for Egyptian music. The growth we're seeing goes beyond numbers — it signals a real shift in how artists are building audiences, careers, and cultural impact. Streaming is playing a key role in that transformation, creating new ways for artists to be heard and discovered, both locally and globally. What we've shared in Loud & Clear reflects this momentum — and it's only the start,' said Mark Abou Jaoude, Spotify's Head of Music for the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan. Independent Sounds Take the Spotlight Independent artists and labels are at the forefront of Egypt's music scene, accounting for the majority of royalties earned in 2024. In 2024, more than 90% of royalties earned by Egyptian artists came from independent creators or labels — one of the highest independent shares globally. Genres like Mahraganat and Egyptian Hip-Hop, once considered underground, now rank among the most streamed in the country. These sounds, rooted in local culture and led by artist-owned creativity, are shaping the sonic identity of Egypt and finding resonance with listeners around the world. Egyptian Music Travels Far The data shows that Egyptian artists are increasingly finding fans across borders. In 2024, more than 80% of royalties were generated by listeners outside Egypt, including in countries like the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, India, and Brazil. Egyptian music was discovered over 480 million times by first-time listeners on Spotify that year, signaling a surge in global interest in local talent. Spotify data also reveals that the average year-on-year growth rate of global consumption of Egyptian music has reached nearly 60% since 2018 — the year Spotify launched in the Middle East and North Africa — highlighting the growing global reach of Egyptian music. Arabic-Language Music Gains Global Traction This international reach is part of a wider cultural trend. Arabic ranked among the fastest-growing languages on Spotify in 2024, joining Greek, Telugu, Turkish, and Polish. This growth reflects a rising appetite for regional sounds and supports the expanding influence of Arabic-language artists, with Egypt playing a central role in the narrative. Local Listening on the Rise While global discovery is accelerating, domestic streaming is also gaining momentum. Domestically, Egyptian music streams on Spotify grew by over 70% in E 2024, while local listening surged nearly 450% year-on-year since 2018. Notably, more than 80% of the tracks featured on Spotify Egypt's Daily Top 50 were by Egyptian artists, underscoring the strong connection between fans and homegrown music. Backing Artists Beyond the Stream Beyond global reach, a growing number of Spotify initiatives are helping Egyptian artists translate creative momentum into sustainable careers. Programs such as RADAR Arabia, EQUAL Arabia and playlists like Fresh Finds Arabia spotlight and elevate local talent, while tools like Spotify for Artists provide real-time insights, planning resources, and promotional support for artists and their teams. This combination of access, education, and targeted support reflects the heart of Spotify's mission: to give artists the opportunity to live off their art. Streaming Powers Regional Growth The launch of Loud & Clear in Egypt comes at a time of rapid transformation across the region. According to the IFPI Global Music Report, the Middle East and North Africa was the fastest-growing recorded music market in the world in 2024, with a 22.8% increase in revenue year-on-year. Streaming made up 99.5% of that growth, underscoring its role as the economic backbone of the modern music industry. As streaming continues to reshape the global music economy, Egyptian artists are turning opportunity into impact — reaching wider audiences and building lasting careers.
Mid East Info
15 hours ago
- Mid East Info
UAE Strengthens Global Publishing Ties at Beijing International Book Fair - Middle East Business News and Information
Represented by a distinguished selection of established and emerging publishing houses, the Emirates Publishers Association EPA is participating in the 2025 edition of the Beijing International Book Fair, shining a spotlight on the UAE's experience in developing its publishing industry—particularly in the fields of children's literature and innovative educational content. This participation in Asia's largest copyrights exchange platform—and the second largest book fair in the world—reflects the EPA's ongoing commitment to empowering Emirati publishers, expanding opportunities for international collaboration, and strengthening the UAE's presence on the global publishing stage. Showcasing Diversity and Vision: The EPA's stand at the fair serves as a vibrant window into the UAE's dynamic publishing landscape, showcasing a unique blend of seasoned expertise and emerging voices in children's literature and educational publishing. Among the participants are publishers who graduated from the 'Onshur' programme—an initiative launched to empower the next generation of publishing entrepreneurs in the UAE by empowering them with professional and technical support. Featured publishers include Hamda Al Baloushi, Manager of Aalamkom Publishing and Distribution, and Treasurer and Board Member of the EPA, Salim Abdulrahman, Managing Director of AlRewaya Publishing, and Ghassan Rabih, representative of Dar Rabie Publishing. Representing the 'Onshur' graduates are Dr. Asmaa Emara, Founder of Dal for Publishing, a publishing house dedicated to innovative approaches to Arabic language education, and Fatema Al Hammadi, Founder of Sohub Publishing and Distribution, which specialises in educational content for people of determination and students with autism. Bridging Culture Through Publishing: Running from 18 to 22 June, the Association's programme at the fair features a series of high-level events uniting content creators and publishing professionals from the UAE and China. A key event on the agenda is the 2025 Global Children's Book Forum, centred on the theme 'Integrated Innovation in Children's Books Amid New Realities.' Through this platform, the Association highlighted UAE's pioneering contributions to the global book industry, particularly in advancing children's publishing and fostering a culture of reading among young minds. The event agenda also features a panel discussion titled 'Nurturing Young Minds: Children's Publishing Priorities in the UAE and China,' with participation from publishers, Hamda Al Baloushi and Ghassan Rabih, alongside a group of distinguished Chinese children's publishers. Global Messages with a Local Spirit: Commenting on the Association's participation, His Excellency Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, emphasised that the EPA's presence at major international book fairs represents a strategic opportunity for copyrights exchange, expanding professional networks, and exploring new markets for Emirati and Arabic content. He stated: 'This year, we placed special focus on the UAE's experience in children's publishing—a field that conveys universal messages with a distinctly local spirit, led by young publishers who possess clear vision and genuine passion. By empowering them, we are laying the foundation for a new generation that embodies innovation and authenticity.' His Excellency further noted: 'Our participation in the Beijing International Book Fair is an extension of the UAE's broader vision to support creative industries—particularly publishing—as a vital tool for knowledge dissemination and cultural dialogue. Each international platform is an opportunity to project our cultural voice globally and to showcase the wealth of creative potential that the UAE holds. The presence of 'Onshur' graduates at an event of this calibre sends a clear message: the youth are a powerful force shaping the future of Emirati publishing.' Publisher Hamda Al Baloushi described her participation as a significant milestone in her professional journey, highlighting the opportunity it provided for engagement and exchange with publishers from around the world. She added that it had opened new avenues for collaboration and copyrights exchange, particularly in the Asian market. She said: 'Our presence here not only reflects the quality of Emirati content, but also the prominent status that the UAE publishing sector has achieved on the global stage. I am proud to be part of this movement and to represent the UAE at one of the world's most important cultural events.' Ongoing Efforts: Through its active presence at prestigious international cultural events such as this, the EPA continues to advance its long-term strategic goals—chief among them being the development of the UAE's publishing ecosystem. This is achieved by connecting Emirati publishers with global networks, encouraging content export, and reinforcing the UAE's position as a dynamic hub in the international publishing industry.
Mid East Info
2 days ago
- Mid East Info
O Gold and Emirates Gold Forge a Strategic Partnership to Redefine Precious Metals Access in the UAE - Middle East Business News and Information
Empowering everyday investors through direct access to certified gold and silver from trusted refineries Dubai, UAE – 20 June 2025 – O Gold, the UAE's first Emirati fractional gold and silver ownership app, has announced a landmark partnership with Emirates Gold, one of the region's most respected and long-established refineries. Through this collaboration, O Gold's rapidly expanding base of more than 75,000 active users will gain seamless access to an enhanced portfolio of certified gold products at competitive refinery‑direct rates, all delivered with the speed and convenience synonymous with the O Gold Wallet. This partnership marks a significant step forward in making precious metals investment more accessible and transparent for everyday investors in the UAE. By directly connecting O Gold's innovative fractional ownership platform with Emirates Gold's certified refinery products, users can confidently invest in physical gold with unprecedented ease and assurance. 'Our partnership with Emirates Gold is a pivotal moment for O Gold and our users,' said Bandar Alothman, Founder of O Gold. 'We are committed to democratizing access to precious metals, and this collaboration with a highly respected refinery like Emirates Gold directly addresses that goal. Our users can now be assured of the authenticity, quality, and competitive pricing of their gold investments, all within the familiar and convenient O Gold app', he added. Emirates Gold, renowned for its rigorous quality control and commitment to global standards, expressed strong enthusiasm for the partnership. Abhijit Shah, CEO of Emirates Gold, remarked, 'We are proud to join forces with O Gold, a pioneering platform that is transforming how investors across the UAE access precious metals. This collaboration reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering secure, transparent, and world-class precious metals solutions. Together, we are setting a new benchmark for accessibility and trust, empowering a new generation of investors with direct access to certified, high-quality gold.' Emirates Gold, the UAE's most established gold and silver refinery with a legacy of excellence since 1992, and renowned for shaping the precious metals landscape of the Middle East for over 33 years, brings unparalleled industry expertise and trust to this strategic alliance. Through this partnership, O Gold users will gain privileged access to a broader range of high-quality, UAE Good Delivery certified gold and silver bars and coins at competitive rates directly sourced from the refinery and delivered securely to their doorsteps. By combining Emirates Gold's decades-long legacy with O Gold's innovative digital platform, this collaboration reinforces both brands' shared commitment to trust, transparency, and investor empowerment further solidifying O Gold's position as the region's preferred platform for real-asset ownership.
