The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) has welcomed a new directive issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to build a new HQ for EPA, which will be situated near Sharjah Expo Centre. Senior EPA officials emphasised that the directive reflects the Sharjah Ruler’s unwavering support to the local publishing sector, and noted that the new EPA offices will provide the Association with an ideal environment to realise its goals and strategies which have been set to serve Sharjah and the UAE.

Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi’s directive was passed during a meeting with EPA officoals and members of the Emirates Writers Union, held at the Sharjah Book Authority headquarters on Tuesday.

Lauding the move, Ali Bin Hatem, President of EPA, said: “In the generosity of His Highness is a clear message that books, knowledge and publishers play a vital role in developing communities, as they hone them into complete individuals capable of shaping their futures.”

For his part, Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of EPA, said: “The leadership and unwavering support of the Sharjah Ruler is what has played a foundational role for the publishing sector in the UAE, and is emulated by many in the region. These new efforts re-emphasise the vital role books and publishing play in shaping and advancing Sharjah’s cultural project.”