Latest news with #RashidAlKous
Sharjah 24
23-07-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
EPA secures Observer Status at WIPO's 66th General Assembly
The meetings saw participation from representatives of member states and intellectual property organisations worldwide. This recognition enables the Emirates Publishers Association to participate in the meetings of WIPO's member state assemblies, as well as the unions it oversees. Additionally, it provides the Association with the opportunity to participate in relevant committees, working groups, and subsidiary bodies, enabling it to actively contribute to global discussions and the development of policies related to publishing and intellectual property rights. Joining WIPO as an Observer marks a turning point for the Emirates Publishers Association and for Arab publishing as a whole In her comments on this achievement, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association, said: 'Joining WIPO as an Observer marks a turning point for the Emirates Publishers Association and for Arab publishing as a whole. It ensures that the voices of our publishers and creators are heard in the global conversations on intellectual property and it reinforces our commitment to protecting creative rights while promoting access, innovation, and cultural diversity.' A significant milestone in its journey to empower publishers on the global stage His Excellency Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, expressed his pride in the accreditation, emphasising that the Association's observer status with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) marks a significant milestone in its journey to empower publishers on the global stage and further solidify the UAE's position as a regional hub for publishing and creativity. He added: 'The observer status will help us strengthen copyright protection and open new opportunities for local publishers to expand their scope for collaboration and knowledge exchange. We are committed to amplifying the UAE's voice on all issues related to the publishing industry and intellectual property rights, contributing to the development of these frameworks both regionally and globally, with a focus on fostering the future of creativity and content production.' This achievement represents a significant milestone in the Emirates Publishers Association's ongoing efforts to advocate for the publishing sector both locally and regionally. It underscores the association's commitment to providing professional support to UAE-based publishing houses in various Arab and international cultural forums. This recognition also coincides with the Association's ongoing efforts to refine the publishing framework within the UAE, enhance governing laws, and broaden legal protections for creative content. With a membership of over 360 UAE-based publishing houses, the Association works tirelessly to advance the publishing profession, promote a culture of reading, and support initiatives that encourage literacy and broaden access to knowledge. By joining WIPO, the Association takes an important step towards expanding its global influence and actively contributing to the development of a sustainable future for the creative sector in both the UAE and the broader Arab world.
Zawya
23-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Emirates Publishers Association secures observer status at WIPO's 66th General Assembly
Sharjah: In a significant international achievement reflecting the UAE's growing prominence in the global publishing sector, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has granted the Emirates Publishers Association observer status during the 66th General Assembly meetings held in Geneva from 8 to 17 July. The meetings saw participation from representatives of member states and intellectual property organisations worldwide. This recognition enables the Emirates Publishers Association to participate in the meetings of WIPO's member state assemblies, as well as the unions it oversees. Additionally, it provides the Association with the opportunity to participate in relevant committees, working groups, and subsidiary bodies, enabling it to actively contribute to global discussions and the development of policies related to publishing and intellectual property rights. In her comments on this achievement, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association, said: 'Joining WIPO as an Observer marks a turning point for the Emirates Publishers Association and for Arab publishing as a whole. It ensures that the voices of our publishers and creators are heard in the global conversations on intellectual property and it reinforces our commitment to protecting creative rights while promoting access, innovation, and cultural diversity.' His Excellency Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, expressed his pride in the accreditation, emphasising that the Association's observer status with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) marks a significant milestone in its journey to empower publishers on the global stage and further solidify the UAE's position as a regional hub for publishing and creativity. He added: 'The observer status will help us strengthen copyright protection and open new opportunities for local publishers to expand their scope for collaboration and knowledge exchange. We are committed to amplifying the UAE's voice on all issues related to the publishing industry and intellectual property rights, contributing to the development of these frameworks both regionally and globally, with a focus on fostering the future of creativity and content production.' This achievement represents a significant milestone in the Emirates Publishers Association's ongoing efforts to advocate for the publishing sector both locally and regionally. It underscores the association's commitment to providing professional support to UAE-based publishing houses in various Arab and international cultural forums. This recognition also coincides with the Association's ongoing efforts to refine the publishing framework within the UAE, enhance governing laws, and broaden legal protections for creative content. With a membership of over 360 UAE-based publishing houses, the Association works tirelessly to advance the publishing profession, promote a culture of reading, and support initiatives that encourage literacy and broaden access to knowledge. By joining WIPO, the Association takes an important step towards expanding its global influence and actively contributing to the development of a sustainable future for the creative sector in both the UAE and the broader Arab world.
Al Etihad
05-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Onshur marks major milestone with graduation of Scale Track cohort
5 June 2025 15:31 SHARJAH (WAM) Under the patronage and in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of its 2025 Scale Track at SBA's programme is designed to support established publishers in the UAE in scaling their operations through sustainable and strategic growth. The ceremony honoured twelve publishers who completed the intensive training event was attended by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, and Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, as well as programme partners, experts, trainers, and representatives from local and Arab 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 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 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.'Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri 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.'For his part, Rashid Al Kous congratulated the graduates and commended their commitment to transforming ambition into tangible 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.'The ceremony opened with a keynote speech by Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at 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.'Following the directives of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, 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 measures are designed to help publishers shift from operational stability to strategic and sustainable expansion.
Sharjah 24
05-06-2025
- 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.
Mid East Info
27-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Menassah Distribution Company Showcases UAE's Literary Riches to Southeast Asian Audiences through the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the presence of Emirati literature both regionally and internationally, Menassah Distribution Company participated in the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2025. The event is organised by the Malaysian Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the National Book Council of Malaysia and several local associations specialising in the publishing industry. It is considered one of the most prominent cultural fairs in Southeast Asia, attracting over 1.5 million visitors annually. Menassah's participation in this significant cultural event, which runs from 23 May to 1 June 2025, was marked by a distinguished pavilion showcasing 5,667 books from the latest releases of 86 Emirati publishing houses. This gave Malaysian and international visitors the opportunity to explore 662 diverse titles reflecting the richness of Emirati and Arab cultural and intellectual output, and to acquire literary and scientific works that illustrate the UAE's cultural diversity. Through this participation, 'Menassah' aims to expand the regional and international distribution of Emirati books and build bridges of cooperation with publishers and distributors from various countries worldwide, especially via the accompanying ASEAN Publishing Rights Fair. This three-day fair serves as an important platform for exchanging publishing and distribution rights as well as forging international partnerships in the field. Rashid Al Kous, General Manager of 'Menassah', stated that this participation aligns with Menassah's strategy aimed at supporting the publishing movement in the UAE and opening wide horizons for local content through active presence at major international fairs. This contributes to enhancing the UAE's position on the regional and global publishing map and supports the country's creative industries. He added, 'Our participation in the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair is part of our ongoing efforts to expand the distribution of Emirati content and make it accessible in promising markets. We are committed to building a flexible distribution network that allows Emirati books to reach readers worldwide, particularly in Southeast Asia, where there is significant growth in demand for translated Arabic content.' It is worth noting that the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair has been organised since 1981 and is now considered one of the most anticipated annual events for both publishers and readers. It serves as a rich cultural gathering that brings together publishers, authors, and the public under one roof at the World Trade Centre in Malaysia's capital.
