Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) has revealed that the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi has granted its members a discount of 50% on exhibition space rental fees and also offered full exemption for the agency fee, during the 29th edition of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), running from 24th until 30th April.
The agreement was reached after a series of meetings between EPA and DCT- Abu Dhabi, the organizer of the book fair, wherein both parties explored various ways of enhancing cooperation and finding new mechanisms to support Emirati publishers and further develop the publishing sector in the UAE.
Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of EPA, said: “We spare no effort in serving our members and providing them with ample opportunities and possible facilities to thrive, in regional and global markets. To cater to this aim, EPA has forged partnerships with leading publishers in the country to offer quality services, including this discount, which has been given to our members, who are participating in ADIBF. There are more benefits they will enjoy in coming future.”
Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Acting Executive Director of the National Library Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, and the Director of ADIBF, said, “This discount is part of the facilities that we offer in order to support Emirati publishers and promote their work, locally, regionally, and globally through ADIBF. Particularly, we are committed to revive the translation movement in the country by motivating Emirati authors and researchers to publish their creative and academic works, while supporting them with translation of new international literary creations. We have launched many cultural projects and programs, including ‘Kalima’ and ‘Qalam’, to nurture and assist talented authors and drive the publishing and translation sectors.
As part of its services and facilities EPA has launched ‘One Stop Shop’, an integrated information and services center located in EPA headquarter at Sharjah Publishing City (SPC), which allows its members an easy access to services offered by EPA and the National Media Council (NMC). These include registration and/or annual renewal of membership, print permissions, print licenses, and other services.
Additionally, EPA has also launched ‘Manassah’ initiative to facilitate EPA members’ participation in over ten local and Arab cultural events and exhibitions, like Casablanca International Book Fair, Morocco; Muscat International Book Fair; Riyadh International Book Fair; Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival; Abu Dhabi International Book Fair; Amman International Fair, Jordan; Sharjah International Book Fair; Kuwait International Book Fair; Beirut International Arab Book Fair; and more.
This year in March, EPA signed agreement with SPC, managed by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), wherein SBA offers EPA publishers an up to 60% discount on yearly office rentals, ranging from AED 1000 /sqm to AED 400.
The agreement also offers tenants of unfurnished office spaces a discount of upto 48%, from AED 1350/sqm to AED 700, while DCT Abu Dhabi gives a 42% discount on furnished office space, from AED 1550/sqm to AED 900.