Emirates Publishers Association participates in Sharjah Book Fair

EPA is participating in the book fair with a number of events dedicated to exploring the reality of translation and the relation between authors and publishers.

EPA's participation comes in line with its pivotal role in promoting the publishing movement in the country as well as its continued commitment to exert all possible efforts to enhance the experience of Emirati publishers, proactively represent them in international and regional book events, and foster the growth of the publishing sector in the UAE and the entire region.

The Association's participation also comes in the wake of the decision by the Department of Economic Development, which provides for exempting new publishers from licensing fees for start-ups for the second consecutive year in a move to encourage and support the burgeoning publishing industry in the UAE, increase publishing growth, and enrich the cultural scene in the country as well as its effective participation in the international cultural arena.

Speaking on this occasion, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the Emirates Publishers Association, said: "The Sharjah International Book Fair is one of the most prominent and significant cultural events in the region as it attracts an elite group of Arab and international publishing houses, authors, lettermen, writers, intellectuals and media personalities of various cultural backgrounds. It is a much-awaited event by teachers, students and all community members, men, women, minors and adults from the country and abroad, and thus we are eager for an effective participation within the elite community present at this major event."

She added, "The Association eagerly seeks to boost its participation in this international event so as to highlight the privileges enjoyed by the UAE's publishing sector as well as the support it receives from various authorities." She referred to the initiative of the Sharjah Department of Economic Development to exempt UAE publishing houses participating in the Sharjah book fair from the initial licensing fee in a move that indicates the success of the publishing sector is an achievement involving all parties.

The Association organised, a seminar titled 'Book Translation, Reality and Challenges', and speakers in the seminar will include Dr Yousuf Edabi, and Firas Al Shaer, Bashar Shbaru, and Abdul Fattah Abu Al Sayyed.

The Emirati author Mohammed Al Mazroui and Emirati publisher Jamal Al Shehi will explore the complex interplay between authors and publishers during a discussion titled 'The Relation between the Author and the Publisher' to be moderated by the poet Talal Salem.

The Association will also showcase the best 10 books released by each member publishing houses at its stand in the Book Fair.

Various publications are also on offer at the Association's stand, which has been sponsored by Ali Bin Hatem, EPA Vice President and Emirates Foundation For Youth Development, and designed by Smart design. At the stand, which can be found in Hall 2, visitors to the fair can acquire publications in both Arabic and English such as; the 'Emirati Publishers Guide' - which provides guidelines to the inner workings of the UAE's publishing regulations; Lynette Owen's 'Buying and Selling Rights in Literary Works: A Practical Guide for Publishers', as well as the full report 'Book Publishing in the United Arab Emirates' which is the result of a comprehensive survey recently commissioned by the EPA. In addition, registration forms for publisher interested in applying for EPA membership will also be available.