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Gulf Today
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
EPA celebrates Emirati culture at Rabat book fair
The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) continues to highlight the UAE's cultural presence on the international stage through its active participation in the 30th edition of the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL), which kicked off in the Moroccan capital on 17th April. The annual book fair, organised by the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, is one of the region's most prominent literary events. This year, Sharjah was honoured as the Guest of Honour, highlighting the strong cultural ties between the UAE and Morocco. The recognition also reflects the spirit of mutual appreciation, following Morocco's role as Guest of Honour at the Sharjah International Book Fair in 2024. The Emirati publishing delegation participating in the book fair includes Emirati publisher Amira BuKadra, Co-Founder of Ghaf Publishing and Dr. Abdullah Al Sharhan, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Ajyal for Publishing & Distribution. Rashid Alkous, Executive Director of EPA, expressed his pride in participating in the book fair, extending his deep gratitude to Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, founder and honorary president of the Emirates Publishers Association, for her continuous support of the Emirati publishing industry and her pioneering role in enhancing the status of Emirati books on the international stage. He commented, "Our participation in the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair affirms our commitment to supporting Emirati publishers and opening new doors for cultural dialogue and exchange of expertise with our partners in Morocco and the Arab world, especially with Sharjah being chosen as this year's guest of honour; a tribute that reflects the emirate's pioneering role as a global cultural centre." He added, "The book fair represents a strategic platform for exchanging expertise and discussing challenges and opportunities in the publishing industry. We look forward to enriching cultural dialogue and supporting the sustainability efforts of independent publishers, thus contributing to the development of the Arab publishing sector as a whole." Alkous stressed the importance of transforming such participation into sustainable platforms to expand the UAE's cultural influence. He said, "At the Emirates Publishers Association, we work to ensure that our participation in international forums serves as an authentic outlet for cultural communication and showcases the richness of the UAE's creative scene. "Our presence today at the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair is a celebration of Emirati culture and the spirit of Arab cooperation, which contributes to building a prosperous future for the publishing industry in the region." The Emirati publishing delegation will participate in a discussion session at the book fair, moderated by Rashid Al Kous, with the participation of Amira BuKadra, Dr. Abdullah Al Sharhan, Tarek Saliki, President of the Moroccan Publishers Association, and Safaa Wali Publisher at Fennec Publishing House in Casablanca. The session will address three main topics namely, "Ways to enhance book distribution in the region', "Book pricing mechanisms and the sustainability of independent publishers', and "The role of government initiatives in supporting local writers and developing the industry.' With this unique participation, the Emirates Publishers Association renews its unwavering commitment to empowering Emirati publishers, enhancing the UAE's position on the global publishing map, and strengthening bridges of cultural cooperation, thereby enriching the Arab and international literary scene. WAM
Sharjah 24
19-04-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
EPA participates in 'Rabat International Book Fair'
This comes as part of its ongoing efforts to expand the presence of Emirati literature on international stages The Association's participation comes as part of its ongoing efforts to expand the presence of Emirati literature on international stages and enhance opportunities for collaboration with publishing professionals in the Arab world. The book fair organised annually by the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, is one of the region's most prominent literary events. This year, Sharjah will be recognised as the guest of honour at the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair, affirming the close cultural ties between the UAE and Morocco and continuing the mutual appreciation demonstrated by Morocco's hosting as the guest of honour at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2024. The Emirati publishing delegation participating in the book fair includes Emirati publisher Amira BuKadra, Co-Founder of Ghaf Publishing and Dr. Abdullah Al Sharhan, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Ajyal for Publishing & Distribution. The presence of Emirati publishers at the book fair reflects their keenness to explore new horizons of cooperation with regional and international publishers, and to introduce their publications that reflect the diversity and innovation in the Emirati publishing scene. Deep gratitude Rashid Alkous, Executive Director of EPA, expressed his pride in participating in the book fair, extending his deep gratitude to Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, founder and honorary president of the Emirates Publishers Association, for her continuous support of the Emirati publishing industry and her pioneering role in enhancing the status of Emirati books on the international stage. He commented: "Our participation in the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair affirms our commitment to supporting Emirati publishers and opening new doors for cultural dialogue and exchange of expertise with our partners in Morocco and the Arab world, especially with Sharjah being chosen as this year's guest of honour; a tribute that reflects the emirate's pioneering role as a global cultural centre." He further added, "The book fair represents a strategic platform for exchanging expertise and discussing challenges and opportunities in the publishing industry. We look forward to enriching cultural dialogue and supporting the sustainability efforts of independent publishers, thus contributing to the development of the Arab publishing sector as a whole." Alkous stressed the importance of transforming such participations into sustainable platforms to expand the UAE's cultural influence. He said, "At the Emirates Publishers Association, we work to ensure that our participation in international forums serves as an authentic outlet for cultural communication and showcases the richness of the UAE's creative scene. Our presence today at the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair is a celebration of Emirati culture and the spirit of Arab cooperation, which contributes to building a prosperous future for the publishing industry in the region." To participate in a discussion session The Emirati publishing delegation will participate in a discussion session at the book fair, moderated by Rashid Al Kous, with the participation of Amira BuKadra, Dr. Abdullah Al Sharhan, Tarek Saliki, President of the Moroccan Publishers Association, and Safaa Wali Publisher at Fennec Publishing House in Casablanca. The session will address three main topics namely, 'Ways to enhance book distribution in the region', 'Book pricing mechanisms and the sustainability of independent publishers', and 'The role of government initiatives in supporting local writers and developing the industry.' With this unique participation, the Emirates Publishers Association renews its unwavering commitment to empowering Emirati publishers, enhancing the UAE's position on the global publishing map, and strengthening bridges of cultural cooperation, thereby enriching the Arab and international literary scene.
Sharjah 24
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Discover the power of stories at SCRF 2025 with 43 authors
Running from April 23 to May 4 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme 'Dive Into Books', the festival, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, invites visitors into an immersive world of ideas and imagination through a rich programme of workshops, panel discussions, and hands-on sessions. With expert guests shaping the agenda and exploring the opportunities and challenges facing children's literature today, the festival reinforces Sharjah's role as a driving force in the Arab world's cultural and intellectual development. Spotlight on 18 Gulf writers in Arabic children's literature Among the festival's featured guests are 27 literary professionals from the Gulf, including 18 from the UAE. Emirati guests include Dr Abdullah Al Sharhan, Nadia Al Najjar, Hessa Al Muhairi, Khalid Al Khawar, Dr Maitha Ghadeer, Ahmed Al Aidaroos, Eman Al Yousuf, Maitha Al Khayat, Maryam Al Ghaffli, Maya Al Hawari, Badriya Al Shamsi, Fatima Al Ameri, Fatima Al Mazroui, and Aisha Abdullah. From Saudi Arabia, the festival hosts writer Abdulaziz Othman, CEO of Zeez, a prominent producer of children's content, alongside Dr Amani Saad Al Najem, an academic known for her contributions to early childhood education and reading promotion, and Dr Khaled bin Saud Al Halibi, a specialist in modern Arabic literature. They will join Fatima Boukhamsin, a publisher and writer focusing on children's and youth literature, manga, and comics. From Kuwait, the line-up includes writer Sara Al-Zhafiri, known for her philosophical engagement with children's reading, and writer-illustrator Shaymaa Nasser Al-Qalaf, an expert in special education. Representing Bahrain is veteran journalist and children's playwright Khalaf Ahmed Khalaf. He will join Dr Sumaya Al-Maadeed, a professor and researcher in artificial intelligence and computer vision from Qatar. From Oman, the festival welcomes Dr Muhammad bin Amer Al-Mu'amari, an educational expert and director of multiple academic initiatives. Eleven celebrated voices in Arab children's literature The list of Arab participants includes Jordanian education advisor and children's author Deema Al Alami, founder of the @mothertoauthor initiative and finalist for the 2024 Palestinian Book Award. Also attending is academic and writer Dr Bayan Muhammad Jamal Amr, who lectures at Qatar University and specialises in Arabic literature and children's writing. Syria is represented by dentist and award-winning writer Lina Al-Dasouqi, who is known for her inclusive and emotionally resonant stories. Lebanese-Mexican writer Amal Nasser, a major voice in Arab children's literature and founder of Rummana Publishing, will share her expertise in storytelling and publishing. Palestinian illustrator Bara' Al-Awour, who has won several international awards for her work in children's literature, also joins the festival. The festival will welcome author and UN children's literature ambassador Dr Sara Talib Suhail from Iraq. Egypt will be represented by Dr Asma' Ala'addin, a psychiatrist and author who has made notable contributions to both literature and mental health advocacy, alongside writer and education expert Ihab Al-Qastawi, whose works taught in educational curricula in several Arab countries due to their literary and educational value, and poet, writer, and researcher in children's culture Abdo Al-Ziraa. They will be joined by Sudanese journalist and children's media specialist Manajat Al-Tayeb, who brings her wealth of experience in children's journalism. At the same time, from Libya, the festival hosts Amal Muhammad Ibrahim Al-Hanqari, Libya's first international expert on children's rights and a long-standing contributor to Arab children's culture. Six prominent authors from the Maghreb region From Morocco, the festival brings together Dr Ahlam Nuwaywar, professor of translation and children's literature, and illustrator-writer Al-Hassan Benmouna, whose works have been internationally recognised, including a 2025 Hans Christian Andersen Award nomination. Representing Algeria are poet and writer Aasiya Ahmad Abdallawi, whose award-winning works engage young minds through poetic riddles, and Dr Fatima Al-Zahra Bin Arab, a scientist and children's writer who integrates her knowledge of energy mechanics into educational storytelling. Tunisia is represented by writer Fatima Al-Zahra Banani, a long-serving educator with a prolific output in children's literature, and academic and author Dr Nizar bin Muhammad Al-Qamari, known for his work on cognitive development through storytelling and theatre.
