As part of its participation in Sharjah’s Guest of Honor
Programme at the 39th Thessaloniki International Book Fair in
Greece, the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) shared the UAE’s
distinguished publishing experience with an international
audience.
During the fair, which runs from May 16 to 19, the association
highlighted its efforts in advancing the Emirati and Arab
publishing sector, as well as fostering the Emirati-global cultural
dialogue, under the visionary leadership of Sheikha Bodour Bint
Sultan Al Qasimi, founder and honorary president of the
association.
The association has curated a comprehensive programme for its
participation in the Sharjah Guest of Honor pavilion at the event.
Its objective is to represent Emirati publishers, showcase their
publications, foster collaboration with Greek and international
publishers present at the fair, and strengthen ties with the fair
organisers, exploring opportunities for enhanced cooperation in
translation to and from Arabic.
Representing the association at the fair is a delegation
including Abdullah Al Kaabi, President of the EPA Board and
co-founder of Dar Al Ramsa, along with Amira BinKadra, Vice
President of the EPA Board and co-founder of Ghaf Publishing House,
as well as Fatima Al Khatib, member of the EPA Board and founder of
Sidra Publishing House, and Khalid Al-Ali, founder of Bawabat Al
Kitab Publishing.
Abdullah Al Kaabi emphasised the significance of Sharjah’s role
as the first Arab guest of honor at the Thessaloniki International
Book Fair, representing a new gateway to celebrate Emirati and Arab
culture while promoting dialogue between cultures on a global
scale. He noted, “Greece’s recognition of Sharjah’s contributions
to Arab and human culture reflects the enduring relationship
between SharjahÕs cultural institutions and their Greek
counterparts. This presents an opportunity to strengthen joint
efforts in the cultural sphere, preserving our achievements and
promoting literature, arts, and creativity as catalysts for
impactful dialogue.”
He pointed out that the associationÕs participation in the fair
constitutes an opportunity to promote Emirati titles, build
international cultural relations, and discuss ways of cooperation
between the two countries in the literary field.
Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers
Association, highlighted Sharjah’s participation as the first Arab
guest of honor in the Thessaloniki International Book Fair as a
milestone in enhancing cultural ties between the UAE and Greece,
underscoring the country’s rich cultural landscape. He affirmed the
association’s commitment to introducing Greek and international
publishers to the Emirati publishing market, fostering
collaboration, and contributing to the growth of the book industry
in the UAE.
The association’s agenda included dialogue sessions highlighting
the Emirati publishing experience. Key sessions included “Bridging
Cultures through Publishing: Greek and Emirati perspectives,” which
featured Abdullah Al Kaabi and Amira Bin Kadra, alongside Greek
publisher Argiris Kastaniotis from Kastaniotis Publishing, delving
into the pivotal role of the publishing industry in fostering
cultural exchange between Greece and the United Arab Emirates. They
addressws the challenges and collaborative efforts required to
promote intercultural dialogue through literature.
Another session, featuring Ameera BinKadra and Khalid Al Ali, in
conjunction with Greek publishers from Entypois Publications,
Papadimas Publications and Nikas Publications, focused on the vital
role of publishing in preserving historical and cultural content.
Additionally, they discussed its impact on educational resources
and information dissemination.
EPA hosted sessions for buying and selling publishing and
translation rights, facilitating collaboration between Emirati and
international publishers, and expanding the presence of Arabic
literature on the global stage.
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