EPA’s participation in the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, running from March 31 to April 3, 2025, highlights the UAE’s growing presence in the field of children’s publishing
The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing the future of the UAE’s publishing industry by empowering young Emirati publishers to make their mark on the global stage. The association’s efforts to foster the next generation of publishing talent are exemplified by its sponsorship of four graduates from the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) to participate in two of the world’s most renowned book fairs: the London Book Fair and the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
This initiative is part of EPA’s ongoing commitment to provide Emirati publishers with valuable exposure to international best practices, industry trends, and a global network of publishing professionals. By supporting their participation in these prestigious events, the EPA ensures that these emerging publishers are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to thrive in the ever-evolving global publishing landscape.
The Bologna Children’s Book Fair, held annually in Italy, is one of the most important global events for children’s publishing. This year, EPA sponsored two young Emirati publishers to attend: Fatema AlHammadi of Sohub Publishing & Distribution and Dalal Al Jabri of Hzaya Personalised Books. Sohub Publishing specializes in educational books for children with autism, while Hzaya focuses on interactive and personalized children’s literature, offering books tailored to the needs of young readers.
EPA’s participation in the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, running from March 31 to April 3, 2025, highlights the UAE’s growing presence in the field of children’s publishing. AlHammadi and Al Jabri’s presence at the fair allows them to showcase their unique work to international publishers, authors, and distributors, while also gaining insights into global trends in children’s literature. By attending such an esteemed event, they have the opportunity to establish important connections and gain exposure to global best practices, which can enhance the impact of their publishing projects back home in the UAE.
In addition to the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, the EPA also took part in the 51st edition of the London Book Fair, which concluded on March 13, 2025. As part of this initiative, EPA sponsored the participation of Shatha Nasser of Kairos Publishing and Maryam Thani AlFalasi of Ghaim Publishing. Kairos Publishing is dedicated to translating classical literary works into Arabic, while Ghaim Publishing specializes in translating literature from Asian languages into Arabic. Both publishers are deeply invested in enriching the Arabic literary canon and contributing to the global conversation by presenting diverse and inspiring narratives.
Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, emphasized the significance of these international engagements in shaping the future of the UAE’s publishing industry. “At the Emirates Publishers Association, we firmly believe that integrating young publishers into major international events is a strategic investment towards the future of the UAE publishing industry,” Al Kous said. “These participations provide publishers with valuable insights into the dynamics of the global publishing market, introducing them to the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of the industry.”
He added that these opportunities for knowledge-sharing and cultural collaboration with international publishers are crucial for expanding the global reach of Emirati publishing projects. “Our aim is to create an environment that encourages young talent to innovate and develop high-quality publishing projects with international impact, while expanding the presence of Arabic books in global markets,” Al Kous noted. “This will ultimately amplify the voices of Emirati and Arab creatives on the global stage, contributing to the UAE’s vision of becoming a key regional and international hub for publishing.”
Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at the Sharjah Book Authority, also praised the initiative and the impact of the Onshur Fund, which has supported these young publishers. “The selected winners of the Onshur programme have demonstrated great potential to grow as publishers, benefitting from the knowledge and resources provided to them. Attending international book fairs like London and Bologna will accelerate their professional development and enhance their ability to produce distinguished books that contribute to the publishing scene in the UAE.”
The Onshur programme, led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority and Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association, has been instrumental in supporting young Emirati talent in the publishing industry. Through the EPA’s support, the selected publishers are gaining exposure to new markets and innovative ideas that will help them build more competitive, globally recognized publishing brands.
The participating publishers expressed deep gratitude for EPA’s ongoing support, recognizing the critical role these international experiences play in shaping their careers. “Attending such prestigious book fairs is a pivotal step in our professional journeys,” said one of the participants. “These events provide an invaluable opportunity to explore international best practices, build connections with industry leaders, and leverage expertise that will enhance the quality of our publishing projects.”
By participating in the Bologna and London book fairs, these emerging Emirati publishers are not only enhancing their own careers but also contributing to the UAE’s broader cultural and publishing goals. As the UAE continues to build its reputation as a hub for innovative publishing, initiatives like these are essential for driving the future success of the industry both regionally and internationally.
