Sharjah,June 2026: Against the backdrop of the UAE cultural project in the Polish capital, led by Sharjah as the Guest of Honour at the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026, held from 28 to 31 May, the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) participated in the fair with a diverse programme. The programme underscored its role in empowering the UAE publishing industry, reinforcing the position of the United Arab Emirates as an active partner in advancing cultural dialogue across the global book industry.
In line with the UAE’s broader vision to strengthen its knowledge economy and creative industries, the Association’s participation forms part of Sharjah’s collective pavilion and reflects a strategic vision to expand Emirati publishers’ access to European markets. This participation emphasises a growing focus on Europe as a key gateway for expanding the global reach of Emirati publishing. It aims to support the development of sustainable partnerships with international publishers, agents, and distributors, while strengthening cooperation in publishing rights, translation, and professional exchange.
The EPA delegation brought together a distinguished group of Emirati publishers showcasing diverse expertise across children’s literature, specialised publishing, as well as cultural and educational content. This reflects the vitality and richness of the local creative landscape. The delegation included six publishing houses: Al Hudhud Publishing and Distribution, Bumelha Publishing House, Ghaf Publishing, Sohub Publishing and Distribution, Dar Al Bayan Al Arabi, and Hzaya Personalized Books.
The participation featured an integrated professional and cultural programme comprising panel discussions, literary evenings, and specialised meetings exploring the future of publishing and its transformations. The EPA also participated in two panel sessions within Sharjah’s Guest of Honour programme discussing shifts in the publishing industry, exploring emerging publishing models, business development opportunities, expanded distribution channels, and ways to strengthen the competitiveness of Emirati and Arab content in international markets while preserving its cultural value.
In addition, PublisHer, in collaboration with the Association, organised a joint session titled “What Translates, What Travels: Women Leaders on Rights, Translation and Market Access Between the UAE and Poland”. The session brought together women leaders in publishing from the UAE and Poland to discuss the systems behind rights, translation, and distribution that determine how books move across markets, the pathways through which literary works reach international readers, and opportunities for cultural and professional collaboration between both countries. It also highlighted the role of women in strengthening the presence of Arabic content within global markets.
As part of its participation, the Association delivered a presentation titled “The UAE Publishing Market” that examined the current landscape of the sector, its trends, and growth opportunities, based on the findings of the metadata study conducted by the Association over the past four years. The presentation explored potential areas of cooperation between the UAE and Polish publishing sectors, supporting knowledge-based partnerships, mutual exchange, and opening new channels for content and rights circulation.
Commenting on the participation, Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, said: “The Association’s participation in Sharjah’s Guest of Honour programme at the Warsaw International Book Fair represents an important cultural milestone. It reflects the advanced position achieved by the UAE publishing sector and a long-standing journey of investment in knowledge, content creation, and building cultural bridges with the world. The presence of Emirati publishers at one of Europe’s leading cultural platforms extends beyond showcasing books and publications; it carries a comprehensive cultural vision that positions the contemporary Arab voice as an active contributor to the global creative landscape.”
He added: “We view our participation in Warsaw as a strategic investment in the future of Emirati publishing. It is not only about cultural presence, but also our ability to transform this presence into professional networks, business opportunities, and quality partnerships that create wider pathways for Emirati publishers while amplifying the global visibility and influence of Emirati books.”
The participating publishers also expressed their appreciation and gratitude to H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association, for her continued support of the UAE publishing sector. They emphasised that her vision for supporting the book industry and empowering publishers has strengthened their international presence and created opportunities to participate in international events and book fairs, opening wider avenues for networking, partnerships, and expanding the global reach of Emirati content.
Through this participation, the Emirates Publishers Association reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Emirati publishers to access influential international platforms and transform cultural presence into sustainable professional and economic impact. This reinforces the UAE’s position as a regional and international hub for publishing, while establishing Sharjah as a leader in using culture as a bridge for dialogue, understanding, and cross-border partnerships.
