Emirati publishers show 17,000 books at Oman, Saudi book fairs

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) has set its sights on showcasing the exceptional works of Emirati publishers to readers across the Arab region and beyond as it participates in two highly-anticipated book fairs in Oman and Saudi Arabia. With the Muscat International Book Fair and Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region Book Fair 2023 as the backdrop, EPA aims to bring positive change to the Arab literary world and transform how readers enjoy literature in the region.

Through its innovative 'Manassah' platform, EPA is providing GCC readers with unprecedented access to the works of Emirati publishers, featuring a staggering 17,000 books spanning across 400 titles. At the 27th edition of the Muscat International Book Fair, held until March 4, EPA showcased 10,000 books with 400 titles by 30 Emirati publishers, while at the inaugural edition of Saudi Arabia's Eastern Region Book Fair, it showcased 7,087 books across 378 titles by 40 Emirati publishers at its pavilion until March 11.

In addition to promoting Emirati literature, EPA is utilising its participation in these book fairs as an opportunity for networking and exchanging valuable insights with key stakeholders such as book fair organisers, publishers' unions, and associations, as well as major institutions and publishing houses. The association is illuminating various initiatives and programmes that aim to support and advance the industry, promote the habit of reading among all community segments, and enrich the libraries of the GCC and Arab regions with titles across all fields.

Commenting on the participation, Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of EPA, said: "GCC book fairs present a unique opportunity for UAE publishers to introduce the Gulf Arab reader community to their latest literary works. It also serves as a platform for us to showcase the programmes and initiatives to advance and support the industry, develop valuable content and enrich the GCC and Arab libraries with titles across all fields." He also highlighted the significance of EPA's participation in book fairs in the GCC region, as it provides the association with the opportunity to interact with the Gulf Arab readership, understand their cultural preferences and interests, and showcase the latest works of Emirati publishers to book fair visitors.

Emirati publishers showcased through the 'Manassah' platform in both book fairs include: Ashtar Publishing, Nour Publishing, Dar Maheroon, Innovative Growth, Writers House Publishing, Nabdh Al Qalam Books Publishing & Distribution, Qindeel Printing Publishing and Distribution, Medad Publishing and Distribution, AlFulk Translation and Publishing Sole Proprietorship L.L.C., Alam Tamkeen Publishing and Distribution, Ajyaal Media, Kalamon publishing, Atfal wa Moalemon Publishing, Al Riyada Publishing & Printing, Souad Sleibi Publishing, Sadiqat Publishing and Distribution Books, Kiwi Stories, Makarem, Letters Publishing and Distribution, Altafarud Design and Publishing Services, Awraq Publishing & Distribution, Dar Hamaleel Publishing, Alramsa for Publishing of Books & Other Publications Services Co, Bibliosmia Publishing & Distribution, Sayedat Al Hekayat, Dar Al Saif Publishing, Dar Almuheet Publishing House, The Dreamwork Collective, Ibn-Al-Arabi Foundation for Research and Publishing, Address Book Shop, Al Saada Publishing & Distribution, Bawabat Al Kitab Publishing & Distribution, Madaar Publishing & Distribution, Wow Publishing and Teaching Aids, Dar Albayan Alarabi FZE, Araam Publishers, Maraya Publishing & Distribution, Nabati Publishing, Al Yarboo- Magrudy, Al Odabaa Pub. & Dist, Sama Publishing, Production and Distribution, Shaheen for Printing, Publishing and Distribution FZE, Bareq Publishing, Training and Education Company, Dar Al Afaq Al Ilmiyah Pub.& Dist, and Prince Abdulmohsen Bin Jalawi Center For Research & Islamic Studies.