"Emirati publishers" Enhancing the UAE’s cognitive position in Geneva and Hong Kong
Sharjah, July 16 / WAM / The Emirates Publishers Association is moving forward with confident strategic steps towards strengthening its influential presence on the global publishing map through its participation in two prominent international forums, which are considered among the most important platforms for the publishing and intellectual property industry. The first is the General Assembly meetings of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, and the second is the Hong Kong International Book Fair 2026. This comes within the framework of its efforts aimed at empowering the Emirati publisher and advancing… The competitiveness of national creative industries and the consolidation of their presence as an effective creative source in the global cultural scene.
The Association’s participation in the meetings of the World Intellectual Property Organization, which was held from July 7 to 15 in Geneva, embodied its firm commitment to supporting the copyright and intellectual property system and contributing effectively to international discussions that anticipate the future of creative industries in light of the rapid transformations imposed by the development of modern technologies and artificial intelligence. It also confirms the Association’s keenness to keep pace with the best global practices and strengthen bridges of cooperation with international organizations and institutions concerned with protecting copyright and developing legislation related to the publishing industry.
At the Hong Kong International Book Fair, which began yesterday and continues until July 21, the association presents a qualitative presence through a pavilion that includes an elite group of Emirati publishers, forming an interactive platform aimed at introducing Emirati cultural production and exploring promising opportunities for cooperation in the fields of publishing, translation, and exchanging rights. Through participation, the association also seeks to build new partnerships with publishing houses and cultural institutions in Asian markets and open new horizons for local publishers to expand the spread of their creativity in the international publishing system.
The association enhances this presence by organizing a cultural session entitled “Hidden Stories in the Emirates: Culture, Heritage and Writing”, with the participation of Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, founder and CEO of “Kulman” Publishing and Distribution House, and Emirati novelist Obaid Bu Melha, founder and CEO of Dar Bu Melha for Publishing and Distribution. The session opens a window of knowledge on the Emirati heritage as a renewable source of literary inspiration and highlights the role of folk tales, place, and cultural identity in shaping the Emirati narrative, in addition to the importance of literature and translation in Transferring Emirati culture to the global reader and highlighting the richness of the country’s cultural heritage in a contemporary language capable of reaching and influencing.
His Excellency Rashid Al-Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, said: We believe that publishing today is no longer just the production of books, but rather a system of cultural, economic, and cognitive influence. Through these contributions, we are working to open new markets for Emirati content, enhance the protection of creative rights, and build global partnerships capable of transforming the Emirati story into an influential voice with its language, depth, and creative spirit.
He added: Through our participation in these international forums, we carry with us the ambition of an Emirati publishing sector that believes in its ability to compete, influence and make a difference. The Emirati creator has a voice, value and message, and our mission is to open the doors to global markets for him and to turn every international participation into a platform to launch new opportunities for Emirati publishers.
Participation confirms that the presence of the Emirates Publishers Association in international forums goes beyond cultural representation to consolidating the UAE’s position as a global center for creativity, knowledge, and content creation. Through this presence, the Association continues to connect creators and publishers with markets, opportunities, and qualitative international partnerships that would contribute to enhancing the strength of Emirati books, supporting the competitiveness of national creative industries, and translating the UAE’s vision of building a sustainable knowledge economy that places culture and innovation at the heart of the future.
- For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Related
