Bologna presence a ‘boost for Emirati women writers’

The “Authors from the UAE” — a joint initiative between the UAE Media Council and ELF Publishing — concluded its inaugural participation in the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. The initiative aimed to support the UAE publishing industry, empower national talent in the field of children’s literature, and enhance the global presence of Emirati content by producing distinguished literary works that enrich international libraries with content reflecting the identity and cultural values of the UAE.

The participation featured a notable presence from Emirati authors Maitha Al Khayat and Ibtisam Al-Beiti, both selected in the first phase of the initiative.

They played a central role in the initiative’s mission to take Emirati content from local to global platforms, helping raise international awareness of the UAE’s high standards in the publishing industry.

Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Media Strategy and Policy Sector at the UAE Media Council, emphasised that the participation of the initiative in the Bologna Children’s Book Fair marked a significant milestone in efforts to export UAE children’s content globally and reinforce the country’s presence in the international children’s content industry.

She stated, “We take pride in the fact that Authors from the UAE is making its international debut at one of the world’s most important children’s book fairs. We believe this step will help amplify the voice of Emirati women writers specialising in children’s literature on global publishing platforms, and introduce international communities to the educational and cultural values that Emirati children grow up with — through stories and publications that reflect our identity and convey humanitarian messages penned by Emirati writers.”

Al Suwaidi added that children’s literature serves as a powerful tool for building awareness, nurturing imagination, and reinforcing values.

“Our participation in the Bologna Fair offers Emirati creatives a platform to showcase their work globally and helps solidify the UAE’s image as a distinguished source in the field of children’s literature.”

She concluded by saying, “Through our strategic partnership with ELF Publishing, we continue our commitment to supporting national talent and enabling Emirati writers and publishers to access global markets. We view the global publishing of Emirati children’s content as a shared responsibility — one that helps build bridges of communication with the world and reflects the UAE’s civilised image.”

“Authors from the UAE” is a strategic initiative launched in February 2025 in partnership between the UAE Media Council and ELF Publishing, which reflects the Council’s vision to empower the publishing industry, nurture national talent, and enrich the global literary scene with Emirati content. The initiative strengthens dialogue with the international community through the voices and writings of Authors from the UAE. The goal is to present Emirati content that reflects the dignified image of the UAE and conveys its values and identity.

Recently, the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) has successfully concluded its participation in the 2025 edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

The event brought together leading literary and artistic figures, as well as content creators from around the world, reinforcing the association’s continuous efforts to support the Emirati publishing industry and enhance its presence on the international stage.

This strategic participation aligns with the association’s vision of opening new avenues for its members, showcasing the quality and diversity of Emirati content in children’s and young adult literature, and fostering international cooperation in copyright, translation, and creative production.

The association’s pavilion featured a distinguished selection of Emirati publishing houses specialising in children’s and young adult literature. Among them was Ajyal Publishing and Distribution, renowned for its interactive stories that promote critical thinking and creativity, represented by Dr. Abdulla AlSharhan, Vice President of EPA and Co-Founder and Creative Director of Ajyal.

Also present was Kiwi Stories Publishing and Distribution, known for crafting emotionally engaging stories that stimulate children’s imagination and enrich their minds, represented by Sahar Naja, General Manager of the publishing house.

WAM