EPA celebrates Emirati culture at Rabat book fair

The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) continues to highlight the UAE's cultural presence on the international stage through its active participation in the 30th edition of the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL), which kicked off in the Moroccan capital on 17th April.

The annual book fair, organised by the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, is one of the region's most prominent literary events.

This year, Sharjah was honoured as the Guest of Honour, highlighting the strong cultural ties between the UAE and Morocco. The recognition also reflects the spirit of mutual appreciation, following Morocco’s role as Guest of Honour at the Sharjah International Book Fair in 2024.

The Emirati publishing delegation participating in the book fair includes Emirati publisher Amira BuKadra, Co-Founder of Ghaf Publishing and Dr. Abdullah Al Sharhan, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Ajyal for Publishing & Distribution.

Rashid Alkous, Executive Director of EPA, expressed his pride in participating in the book fair, extending his deep gratitude to Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, founder and honorary president of the Emirates Publishers Association, for her continuous support of the Emirati publishing industry and her pioneering role in enhancing the status of Emirati books on the international stage.

He commented, "Our participation in the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair affirms our commitment to supporting Emirati publishers and opening new doors for cultural dialogue and exchange of expertise with our partners in Morocco and the Arab world, especially with Sharjah being chosen as this year's guest of honour; a tribute that reflects the emirate's pioneering role as a global cultural centre."

He added, "The book fair represents a strategic platform for exchanging expertise and discussing challenges and opportunities in the publishing industry. We look forward to enriching cultural dialogue and supporting the sustainability efforts of independent publishers, thus contributing to the development of the Arab publishing sector as a whole."

Alkous stressed the importance of transforming such participation into sustainable platforms to expand the UAE's cultural influence.

He said, "At the Emirates Publishers Association, we work to ensure that our participation in international forums serves as an authentic outlet for cultural communication and showcases the richness of the UAE's creative scene.

"Our presence today at the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair is a celebration of Emirati culture and the spirit of Arab cooperation, which contributes to building a prosperous future for the publishing industry in the region."

The Emirati publishing delegation will participate in a discussion session at the book fair, moderated by Rashid Al Kous, with the participation of Amira BuKadra, Dr. Abdullah Al Sharhan, Tarek Saliki, President of the Moroccan Publishers Association, and Safaa Wali Publisher at Fennec Publishing House in Casablanca.

The session will address three main topics namely, "Ways to enhance book distribution in the region”, "Book pricing mechanisms and the sustainability of independent publishers”, and "The role of government initiatives in supporting local writers and developing the industry.”

With this unique participation, the Emirates Publishers Association renews its unwavering commitment to empowering Emirati publishers, enhancing the UAE's position on the global publishing map, and strengthening bridges of cultural cooperation, thereby enriching the Arab and international literary scene.

WAM