Abu Dhabi, September 2026: The Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA) is participating in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026, taking place from 13 to 18 September, with a professional and cultural programme that places the protection of reprographic rights and the lawful use of protected works at the centre of dialogue. The programme also highlights the role of collective rights management in supporting a sustainable environment for the publishing industry and the wider creative sector.
ERRA began its participation by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Emirates Library and Information Association, reflecting both parties’ commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation, exchanging expertise and knowledge, and leveraging their respective capabilities and services to support the publishing and library sectors, while promoting greater awareness of copyright and reprographic rights in the UAE.
The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation covering the exchange of knowledge, expertise, skills, data, and relevant information in accordance with approved frameworks and regulations. It also includes organising joint training courses, workshops, and awareness programmes; exchanging best practices, studies, and specialised research; providing technical and legal consultations; and cooperating to promote joint initiatives and services. As part of its agenda to foster meaningful knowledge-based dialogue alongside the Fair, ERRA participated in a panel discussion titled ‘Publishing Without Piracy’, organised by the Sea of Culture Foundation. The session addressed the legal, professional, and economic implications of reproducing and circulating protected works without authorisation, while exploring ways to promote responsible publishing practices and build an ecosystem that safeguards content owners’ rights and supports the growth of the creative economy.
ERRA’s programme will continue with a panel discussion titled ‘Intellectual Property and Rights Protection: From Legislation to Impact,’ focusing on translating intellectual property frameworks and legislation into practical measures that safeguard the rights of authors and publishers and help limit the unauthorised use of literary and intellectual works.
ERRA will conclude its programme with a session titled ‘Authenticity in Creativity and the Publishing Industry’, which will explore the importance of preserving the originality of intellectual production, strengthening professional responsibility within the publishing industry, and highlighting the role of rights protection in creating an environment that encourages creators, values their intellectual contributions, and supports the continuity of their work.
Majd Al Shehhi, Director of ERRA, said: “Our participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair provides an important opportunity to strengthen dialogue with authors, publishers, libraries, and cultural and educational institutions, while reinforcing awareness that the protection of reprographic rights is an integral part of supporting creativity and sustaining the publishing industry, rather than simply a legal obligation. Responsible use of content is fundamental to building a fair and sustainable knowledge environment.”
She added: “The signing of the MoU with the Emirates Library and Information Association represents an important step towards greater integration between institutions working across rights management, libraries, and publishing, while helping translate intellectual property awareness into practical institutional measures based on respect for protected works and the use of official licensing channels. Through our panel discussions at the Fair, we also seek to broaden the conversation around the challenges facing the publishing industry and promote solutions that balance access to knowledge with the protection of creators’ and rights holders’ interests, thereby contributing to the UAE’s creative economy.”
ERRA’s participation in the Fair forms part of its ongoing efforts to build an integrated and effective framework for the protection of reprographic rights, expand partnerships with institutions across the publishing, cultural, and educational sectors, and develop initiatives and programmes that raise awareness, encourage the lawful use of content, and support legitimate access to protected works. These efforts further strengthen the UAE’s position as an environment that supports creativity, knowledge, and the protection of intellectual rights.
