Latest news with #EmiratesPublishersAssociation
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Onshur marks major milestone with graduation of Scale Track cohort
The event was attended by His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, and His Excellency Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, as well as programme partners, experts, trainers, and representatives from local and Arab media. The twelve graduating publishers were selected from a pool of 62 applicants who met rigorous eligibility criteria. These included a demonstrated track record of producing high-quality cultural content and a well-defined strategic vision for expansion aligned with global publishing developments. The graduating cohort comprised Ajyal Publishing, Ghaf Publications, Sidra Publishing and Distribution, Loaloa Publishing and Distribution, Kalman Publishing and Distribution, Nabatti Publishing, Shaheen Printing Publishing and Distribution, Dar Al-Farqad, Dar Shams Publishing, Dar Al Fikr Al Jadeed, Dar Al Bayan Al Arabi, and Noor Publishing. Driving tangible progress for Emirati and Arab publishers Commenting on the occasion, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, emphasised the importance of empowering UAE publishers to grow and innovate within a sustainable framework. She stated: 'The Scale Track reflects our vision of enabling publishers to move beyond survival, towards a future defined by excellence, creativity, and leadership in enriching the Arab publishing landscape both locally and globally.' She continued: 'I am proud of this cohort, who have shown a remarkable capacity for learning, growth, and openness to new experiences. I believe they are now equipped with the tools and insights needed to build more resilient and adaptable business models. While they represent the current state of Arab publishing, they are equally poised to shape its global future, fuelled by ambition, determination, and a genuine passion for the written word.' Revitalising the future of Arab literature His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: 'What distinguishes these publishers is their clear ambition to grow and their willingness to embrace new tools and ideas that can propel their businesses forward. Their participation in the Scale Track represents a strategic blueprint for the regional publishing sector's expansion, firmly rooted in innovation and sustainability. This vision is inspired by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi's commitment to cultivating a network of publishers equipped to compete on both regional and global stages, driving a renewed momentum for Arab literature and culture.' Turning vision into actionable success For his part, His Excellency Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, congratulated the graduates and commended their commitment to transforming ambition into tangible results. He said: 'We extend our congratulations to this exceptional cohort, who have exemplified what it means to turn vision into reality. The Scale Track has provided participants with critical skills enabling them to thrive in both local and international markets amid a rapidly evolving publishing landscape.' Laying the foundations for strategic publishing growth The ceremony opened with a keynote speech by Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at SBA. She highlighted that Onshur is reshaping how support is delivered to publishers by offering a comprehensive strategic framework that fosters long-term, sustainable growth. 'The Scale Track has surpassed the boundaries of traditional training,' she said. 'It has established a professional platform dedicated to enhancing publishers' operational capabilities and deepening their industry expertise.' Unlocking sustained expansion through targeted support Following the directives of Sheikha Bodour, graduates of the Scale Track benefit from a robust package of post-programme support. This includes one year of professional accounting services to ensure compliance, guidance in applying for the Sharjah International Translation Grant, onboarding to Ingram's global distribution network, access to business loans secured against publishing contracts, specialised advisory sessions, and priority access to upcoming Onshur initiatives. These measures are designed to help publishers shift from operational stability to strategic and sustainable expansion.
Gulf Today
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
EPA opens new horizons for UAE publishers at 2 book fairs
Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter Young visitors at the ongoing Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF) are enthralled by a number of educational activities besides discovering more than colourful bookshelves and vivid storytelling corners. Besides these, the students and visitors are also delighted to meet the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), the driving force behind a vibrant home-grown publishing scene that promotes Emirati voices. The 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. 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 April 23 and runs until May 4, 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 April 26 April to May 5, 2025 - the Association is organising a series of panel discussions and specialised events, several of which 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 April 27, 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.
Al Etihad
28-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair shapes future of publishing sector
ABU DHABI (WAM) The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) serves as a platform to foresee the future of the publishing sector and its ongoing transformations, while also bolstering the presence of the Emirati publishing sector in regional and international forums. This is particularly evident through its attraction of approximately 1,400 publishing houses from 96 countries, creating a significant cultural and intellectual event that celebrates creators from across the globe. During its participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Emirates Publishers Association is showcasing its efforts and unique initiatives aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the Emirati publishing sector and promoting its global reach. Speaking to WAM, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Association, Amira Bukadra, said the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has become a leading global event, bringing together numerous publishing houses from various parts of the world in a distinctive cultural and intellectual gathering. She emphasised the Association's commitment to leveraging this significant platform, driven by its role as a key connector between Emirati publishers and their counterparts from various countries. She further noted the Association's work in raising awareness of its diverse initiatives and activities, as well as all pertinent developments within the publishing sector. Bukadra explained that the Association actively participates in book fairs worldwide to highlight the achievements of the Emirati publishing sector and the creativity of Emirati writers, with the goal of strengthening the international presence of this vital industry. The Association also implements the Publishers Training Programme, a pioneering initiative offering a comprehensive suite of training workshops for publishers both locally and regionally. This programme is conducted in collaboration with a distinguished group of experts, covering essential areas such as writing, publishing, distribution, editing, printing, and marketing. Furthermore, the Association is also keen to adopt innovative strategies to support publishers and unlock new opportunities in regional and international markets. The current edition of ADIBF features an important programme designed to support professionals in the publishing and content creation sector. This programme includes specialised workshops and discussion sessions that convene experts and professionals to share their insights on the latest trends in publishing, distribution, and creative marketing. The programme aims to enhance professional competencies, facilitate the exchange of experiences, explore emerging opportunities, and introduce participants to modern tools that align with the industry's evolution.
Mid East Info
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
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.
Sharjah 24
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
EPA opens new horizons for local book creators at SCRF
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 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.
