EPA Opens New Horizons for Local Book Creators at the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) continues its drive to propel the UAE's publishing industry to ever-wider horizons, intensifying its ongoing efforts to support its members by maintaining a strategic presence at the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025—two of the region's, and indeed the world's, premier cultural events. This participation forms part of the Association's strategy to empower Emirati publishers and open new pathways for literary and knowledge-based creativity.
H.E. Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, said: 'Our participation in these major events underscores our commitment to keeping pace with the transformations sweeping the publishing sector and to enabling Emirati publishers to build a sustainable, competitive presence regionally and internationally. We believe that knowledge exchange and cross-cultural partnerships are the keys to a resilient, ever-evolving publishing industry. Through these forums we aim to expand our members' professional networks and elevate the standing of Emirati publishing on the global knowledge stage.'
The Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, which began on 23 April and runs until 4 May 2025, features a distinctive EPA pavilion that showcases the Association's services, programmes and initiatives dedicated to supporting children's and young-adult publishing. By means of this presence, the Association seeks to strengthen its direct engagement with members, interact with readers and publishing enthusiasts, and introduce prospective publishers to the benefits of joining the UAE's publishing community. The EPA's programme at the Festival also comprises a range of creative activities designed to nurture a lifelong love of reading and to deepen children's relationship with books from an early age.
Meanwhile, at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair— held from 26 April to 5 May 2025—the Association is organising a series of panel discussions and specialised events, several of which H.E. Rashid Al Kous will partake in. This rich agenda will spotlight the future of Emirati publishing, encourage cultural dialogue and facilitate partnerships.
Among these activities is a cultural session on 27 April, organised by the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, during which Ali Bin Hatem and Bassam Chebaro, two prominent figures in Arab publishing, will be honoured. The Emirates Publishers Association will participate in the session and engage in the dialogue. This event highlights the Fair's commitment to celebrating those who have shaped the Arab publishing landscape and fostering a culture of appreciation for outstanding contributions.
The Association is also convening a Rights-and-Translation networking meeting that brings together Emirati publishers and their counterparts from Central Asia in cooperation with the Nomad Cultural Foundation, furthering the EPA's goal of forging cross-border partnerships that broaden markets and facilitate knowledge exchange.
The programme additionally features a session entitled 'Digitising Creativity – The Dawn of a New Era', led by EPA member and publisher Amira Boukadra, as well as participation in a panel organised by the Ministry of Culture and Youth to discuss the opportunities available through funding programmes and cultural funds to support and empower writers, authors, researchers and publishers across the UAE, reflecting the Association's focus on providing practical and financial support to industry professionals and its vision of strengthening every component of the publishing ecosystem.
Speakers will outline the programmes and initiatives offered by their respective organisations, together with the eligibility conditions, evaluation criteria and target beneficiary groups. The session will also consider proposed mechanisms and recommendations designed to enhance coordination and integration among the various funding schemes and grants made available to creatives and publishers nationwide.
Through its participation in these cultural forums, the Emirates Publishers Association reaffirms its steadfast commitment to advancing the UAE's publishing sector, enabling its members to keep pace with global trends and securing an enduring international presence for Emirati culture.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Egypt Today
3 hours ago
- Egypt Today
El Selem W El Te'ban: Ahmed & Malak Teaser Drops as Filming Kicks Off on Modern Take of Egyptian Classic
The buzz is building as the official teaser trailer for El Selem W El Te'ban: Ahmed & Malak finally gives audiences a glimpse into the much-anticipated reimagining of the iconic 2001 Egyptian film. While not a direct sequel, the modern retelling delves into contemporary themes of love, connection, and emotional risk, crafted for today's generation. The film is directed by Tarek Alarian and penned by Ahmed Hosny, promising a blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling. Amr Youssef and Asmaa Galal lead the charge as the titular Ahmed and Malak. The star-studded cast also features Maged El Masry, Hatem Salah, Fadwa Abed, Heba Abd El Aziz, and Aya Selim. Cameras are now rolling, and production is set to wrap by mid-July. Anticipation is already high for its wide release across Egypt and the Arab world later this year, as fans await a new chapter in a beloved cinematic legacy.
Egypt Today
11 hours ago
- Egypt Today
90% of "Assad" Wrapped: Historical Epic Nears Completion
The remaining scenes for the film "Assad" will be completed after Eid Al-Adha, after which the director will begin the post-production phase, which includes editing, sound mixing, scoring, and other final touches. Ultimately, the film will be prepared for release locally, regionally, and internationally. Producer Moussa Abu Taleb emphasized that the production is following a meticulous plan to ensure the film is released in the best possible manner, with full support in terms of sets, costumes, and action training. He stated, 'The production of 'Assad' is massive and requires significant time for preparation and rehearsals. It takes us back to the 1800s and beyond—a historical period with unique details in clothing, set design, and accessories, which we aim to present cinematically with precision and authenticity.' Abu Taleb added, 'We began preparations and previews over a year ago. Set designer Ahmed Fayez worked with a large team of engineers and workers to build sets that accurately reflect the era, in close collaboration with director Mohamed Diab. They also selected shooting locations that perfectly match the story's events—totaling 15 locations across Cairo, its outskirts, and several other governorates. Some sets, like those in the Media Production City, took nearly three months to complete. Preparations also included garments and accessories for approximately 2,000 people. Costume designer Reem El-Adl and her team exerted tremendous effort over six months to create period-accurate costumes for multiple scenes.' He also discussed the intense preparation for the film's action sequences, which were rehearsed over various periods. He noted that the film includes numerous action scenes designed in a style never before seen in Arab cinema. These sequences were created in collaboration with a professional team led by world-renowned action choreographer Kaloyan Vodenicharov, who extensively trained the cast. The film features around 70 actors, including 12 major stars and special guests from Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon, and Sudan. Additionally, 50 supporting actors appear in the film—some in single yet pivotal scenes. Regarding the release date, Abu Taleb stated, 'At this stage, we cannot confirm a specific release date. All production phases must be fully completed first. Each stage is critical and will be executed with great care in specially selected locations to ensure the highest standards in image, sound, music, and visual effects. We aim to deliver a unique cinematic experience. Only once the film is finalized will we decide on a release date.' On the story itself, he said, 'The events of 'Assad' unfold within a social and romantic framework, infused with suspense and action. The film explores themes of racial discrimination and the mistreatment of marginalized individuals in a historical context when such issues were prevalent and deeply impactful. 'Assad' presents a fresh narrative that has never been told on screen before—marked by originality and intensity.' Most notably, "Assad" is directed by Mohamed Diab and written by Sherine Diab, Mohamed Diab, and Khaled Diab. The cinematography is by Ahmad Bishary, with editing by Ahmed Hafez. The sets are designed by Ahmed Fayez, costumes by Reem El-Adl, and the soundtrack is composed by Hisham Nazih. The film is produced by Moussa Abu Taleb's Good Fellas Media Production, in collaboration with Big Time Fund and Emad Sayed Ali's Scoop Egypt Production. The cast includes Mohamed Ramadan, Lebanese actress Razane Jammal, Ali Kassem, Maged El-Kidwani, Sudanese actor Eslam Mubarak, Ahmed Dash, and Palestinian actor Kamel El-Basha.
CairoScene
a day ago
- CairoScene
The World's Largest Modern Arab Art Collection Is in This Doha Museum
With over 9,000 works, Mathaf isn't just a museum—it's loud, political, playful, and deeply personal. If your Qatar itinerary is heavy on sunsets, souqs, and skyline views—pause for a moment and make space for a different kind of thrill: the electric jolt of contemporary Arab art. Tucked inside Doha's Education City, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art isn't just a museum—it's the region's brainiest, boldest, and most rebellious creative clubhouse. And somehow, it still feels like a secret. Home to the world's largest collection of modern and contemporary Arab art (over 9,000 works, if you're counting), Mathaf (Arabic for 'museum') is anything but quiet. It's where painters, poets, rebels, and rule-breakers from across the Arab world come to have a say—and a moment. Think surrealist paintings from Syria, feminist sculptures from Sudan, abstract experiments from Iraq, and political pop from Palestine. Opened in 2010 as part of Qatar Museums' sweeping cultural vision, this under-the-radar institution features sharply curated exhibitions with a refreshingly unpretentious energy. You don't need an art degree to get it. Just curiosity—and maybe a little time to let it all sink in. And this being Doha, of course there's more: salons, panels, screenings, and the kind of people-watching that could launch a whole new personality era. Whether you drop in for 30 minutes or settle in for the full afternoon, Mathaf will leave you thinking, questioning, and probably Googling at least three new artists on your ride home. Located just 20 minutes from the city center (and, pro tip: very near some very good coffee), this museum is a must for anyone who wants to get under the surface of the Arab world—not just past or present, but future too. So go ahead. Skip the expected. And step inside a space where art isn't hung up in a vacuum. It's loud, political, playful, and deeply personal.
