TRENDS Research and Advisory and the Emirates Publishers Association launched a special study on “The Impact of the Emirates Publishers Association on Supporting the Cultural Publishing Industry in the UAE and GCC Countries.” The study was presented during a panel discussion titled “The Impact of the Emirates Publishers Association on Supporting the Cultural Publishing Industry,” held in Al-Multaqa Hall at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2024.

Moderated by Abdullah Al-Khaja, a researcher at TRENDS, the panel discussion featured the participation of His Excellency Rashid Al-Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association; and Sultan Majid Al-Ali, Deputy Head of TRENDS-Dubai Sector and Director of the Global Barometer Department.

Development of Thought and Knowledge

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, said that the publishing sector in the UAE has become a symbol of quality and creativity and one of the most important fields contributing to the development of thought and knowledge, as well as a key destination for authors and publishers from around the world. He added that these significant achievements are attributed to the commitment of the wise leadership to creating a suitable environment for publishing and supporting writers and creators, with the aim of positioning the UAE as a global publishing and innovation hub.

Dr. Al-Ali noted that the active cooperation and partnership between TRENDS and the Emirates Publishers Association have culminated in the release of a very important study. The released study examines the impact and role of the Emirates Publishers Association in the publishing industry in the UAE and the GCC countries. It also explores the main challenges and opportunities facing the publishing industry.

15 Proposed Recommendations

Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali pointed out that the study presented 15 proposed recommendations to enhance the publishing sector in the UAE. Key of them include: establishing a fund by government bodies to provide funding facilities to local publishers, encouraging a shift toward digital and electronic book production, and integrating modern technologies and artificial intelligence into publishing industry. Moreover, the study recommends setting up a modern printing establishment with international standards and offering subsidized prices for both local and foreign publishers to attract investors to the sector.

Protection of Publishers’ Rights

The CEO of TRENDS said that the study also recommended improving the relevant legal framework to protect publishers’ rights and intellectual property, and that the Emirates Publishers Association could play a critical role in this regard. The study further highlighted the importance of building partnerships between publishers and some of the prominent cultural centers in the UAE to facilitate high-quality translation of books and publications into various languages.

Al-Ali explained that these results show the significant and impactful role of the Emirates Publishers Association, under the leadership of His Excellency Rashid Al-Kous, Executive Director of the Association, in advancing the publishing and cultural industry in the UAE in general, and the emirate of Sharjah in particular.

Empowering Publishers

His Excellency Rashid Al-Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, praised the efforts of TRENDS Research and Advisory in conducting this study in accordance with the highest standards and best practices. He stressed the importance of the study for assessing and analyzing the state of the publishing industry in the UAE and exploring ways to advance it. Al-Kous explained that the launch of the study is part of the Association’s initiatives and projects aimed at uplifting the publishing sector and achieving a quantum leap in book production in the country.

Al-Kous confirmed the Association’s commitment to empowering Emirati publishers under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the Association, commending the role of Sheikha Bodour in driving the development of the publishing sector on both local and global levels.

He said, “Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi has dedicated her efforts to supporting the publishing industry, not only at the domestic level but also internationally. Her impactful initiatives and efforts have significantly elevated and stimulated the publishing industry in the UAE. Based on her vision and directives, the Association will continue to play an effective role in tackling any challenges facing the sector, offering joint solutions to boost its growth, and enabling publishers to achieve sustainability and prosperity in their business.”

A Regional and Global Publishing Hub

Al-Kous noted that the study highlighted the global attention the UAE has received in recent years and its attraction of publishers, thanks to its extraordinary focus on organizing book fairs and literary awards it continuously initiates. These awards have served as incentives for authors and publishers and ultimately contributed to the development of the local publishing industry. He added that, “based on all these facts, along with the UAE’s strategic location, its supportive entrepreneurship system, and its vibrant cultural landscape, the study concluded that the UAE possesses all the capabilities needed to become a regional and global publishing hub for.”

Local and International Efforts

Al-Kous explained that the study shed light on the role of the Emirates Publishers Association in strengthening the publishing sector in the UAE by setting a shared vision among all relevant stakeholders and creating an attractive environment for local and international investors in publishing and authorship. This has been achieved by enhancing the legal framework in the country concerning intellectual property rights and copyright protection, in addition to fostering close cooperation among publishers and developing their professional skills.

He showed that the study also touches on the continuous international efforts of the Association to increase the global presence of Emirati publishers through active participation in cultural forums and international book fairs. This has helped open up wider horizons and opportunities to enrich the publishing, translation, and distribution landscape in the UAE. It has also reinforced the presence of Emirati culture and literature in the global publishing and cultural arenas and increased the production of best-selling Arabic books in the UAE by 11%.

Three Main Sections

Sultan Majid Al Ali, Deputy Head of “TRENDS – Dubai” Sector and Director of the Global Barometer Department, said that the study is divided into three main sections. The first section explores the role of the Emirates Publishers Association in developing the publishing industry in the UAE. The second section presents the findings of an opinion poll on the Association’s impact on supporting cultural publishing industry in the country. The third section offers a number of recommendations and proposals to further advance the publishing industry in the UAE.

He explained that the opinion poll was conducted with a high level of professionalism to identify the impact of the Emirates Publishers Association’s work and its achievements on publishers, distributors, and authors. The poll also aimed to shape the Association’s future direction to better serve the needs of the publishing industry. He showed that the findings of the poll revealed that 81% of publishing house owners and managers in the UAE are fully aware of the Emirates Publishers Association and its mission.

80% Satisfaction Level

Sultan Majid Al-Ali mentioned that the satisfaction level of publishing house owners and managers in the UAE with the initiatives and programs implemented by the Emirates Publishers Association to achieve its mission and objectives reached 80%. When assessing their benefit from the services, resources, and support provided by the Association, the results indicated a benefit level of 68%.

He explained that 65% of publishing house owners and managers believe that the Emirates Publishers Association has contributed to the growth and development of the publishing environment. Also, more than two-thirds of respondents (72%) think that the Association effectively represents the interests of publishers, distributors, and authors.

Support for Publishers and Distributors

The Deputy Head of “TRENDS – Dubai” Sector pointed out that in response to a question about the areas and issues the Emirates Publishers Association should focus on in the future to better support publishers, distributors, and authors, half of the respondents (49%) emphasized the importance of improving distribution and retail. More than a quarter (28%) stated the need to diversify and strengthen Arabic content, while less than a third (18%) said that the focus should be on developing the legal framework.