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New publishing company under the Emirates Publishers Association being set up
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The company will operate from the EPA headquarters near Expo Centre Sharjah
Sharjah ruler Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi on Thursday, May 20, ordered the setting up of a new publishing company under the aegis of the Emirates Publishers Association to help local publishers cost-effectively expand their reach into regional and global markets.
The distribution company is expected to operate from the EPA headquarters near Expo Centre Sharjah.
EPA President Ali Obaid Bin Hatem was quoted in local reports as saying about the development, “The local and Arab publishing sector enjoys the unwavering support and guidance of the Ruler of Sharjah, who firmly believes in the power of books and knowledge in shaping and developing societies.”
He added that the Sheikh “recognizes the value of proper distribution channels in the publishing process, as it has a pivotal role in driving forward this industry and thereby further Sharjah’s cultural project.”
The association chief also said: “The directive to form a distribution company operating under EPA will facilitate the restructuring of the existing distribution process and mitigate the financial burden of publishers. It will also help bolster the presence and boost the share of Emirati publishers in both local and international markets and their representation in relevant global cultural forums.”
Local reports quoted EPA Executive Director Rashid Al Kous as saying, “The generous support and patronage of the Ruler of Sharjah has been a key driver in the development and advancement of the local and Arab publishing sectors. The new directive will pave the way for a steady flow of Arab titles into new markets and to a wider cross-section of the community, thus strengthening the relationship between publishers and their readers.”
He added: “The Sharjah Ruler’s directive comes at a critical juncture and will lay the foundation for a new era in publishing where UAE publishers can be assured of reaching their target markets and audience by paying nominal fees.”
