Emirates Publishers Association gains full International Publishers Association membership

The EPA joined the IPA as an affiliate member in the first year after the EPA's inception - the first association to accomplish such a feat - and has been actively pursuing full membership. In view of this they recently commissioned a survey of the Emirates publishing industry. The resultant report is the first ever truly in-depth report of the full scope of publishing activities in the UAE and was a landmark achievement that considerably aided the EPA's successful bid for membership. The EPA report portrayed a publishing sector that, albeit still very young, is growing at a remarkable rate and which offers a multitude of possibilities for further growth and expansion.

According to the survey the overall market worth of the Emirates' publishing sector is currently estimated to be in the region of 260 million USD, with areas such as educational books in Arabic, practical information, heritage, and children's books all having shown excellent growth. The study also indicated that the UAE has become a regional leader with regards to legislation - with all relevant agreements on copyright being implemented. The Emirates' potential to become a hub for international leaders in publishing and distribution for the entire Middle East region, as well as a gateway between Europe, the Arab world, and South Asia was further highlighted.

Speaking about the EPA's induction as full members, Bodour Al Qasimi, EPA President, said, "I am extremely pleased that the EPA has now been awarded full IPA membership. It is an achievement that not only awards our consistent efforts, but also and accomplishment and honour to be shared with the entire United Arab Emirates. The EPA's commitment to the UAE's publishing industry remains undiminished and we look forward to the even greater achievements we are sure to attain in the future."

The EPA's central mandate is the support and development of the UAE's rapidly growing publishing industry. In this capacity they regularly promote Emirati publishers and authors at regional and international conferences, forums, and book fairs. The EPA also works to develop the UAE's publishing industry through providing training courses; supporting those involved in the publishing industry; and improving publishing-related regulations and legislation. They have established a limited distribution company for its members and facilitatie cooperation and collaboration between local publishing, printing and distribution institutions. The Association is also very active in defending the rights of its publishers and protecting intellectual property, having recently published a free guidebook for its members, with the aim of aiding them in drafting clear and accurate legally binding contracts set out to avoid future conflicts and guarantee the publishers rights. The Association's purview also includes translation to and from Arabic.