About the Association
The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) is a public benefit organization founded in 2009 through an initiative led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who now serves as the honorary president of the association. The primary mission of the EPA is to foster the growth and development of the publishing industry in the United Arab Emirates. The association has played an active role in supporting and representing Emirati publishers, as well as promoting intellectual property and Emirati literary works both regionally and internationally.
The association was established to drive the growth and prosperity of the publishing sector in the UAE. Through a series of diverse programs and activities, the EPA aims to enhance collaboration among publishers and develop their professional skills. The association organizes conferences, workshops, and seminars, and fosters fruitful partnerships to increase awareness and exchange knowledge within the publishing community. It also provides necessary support for producing knowledge content that aligns with the cultural evolution of the UAE, thereby strengthening the country's presence on the international cultural map.
In addition to its local efforts, the association actively participates in cultural events and international book fairs, contributing to the global visibility of Emirati publishers. These ongoing efforts not only open doors for enriching the publishing and translation landscape in the UAE but also extend to global platforms, thereby enhancing the presence of Emirati literature in the worldwide publishing and cultural scene.
The Emirates Publishers Association continues its mission to achieve an ambitious vision that enhances the creative economy and enriches the UAE's cultural landscape. This is achieved through the presentation of a range of knowledge products that reflect the diversity and cultural richness of the UAE, affirming its leadership in establishing the prominence of Emirati literature on the most esteemed global literary stages.
Vision
Enhancing the contribution of the publishing sector to the cultural, social, and economic development of the United Arab Emirates.
Our Goal
To develop and enhance the publishing sector by fostering collaboration among publishers in the United Arab Emirates, in alignment with their mutual interests.
To promote the publishing industry in the UAE through a comprehensive range of services, insights, training, and networking opportunities.
To uphold the rights of publishers.
Board of Directors
Amira BuKadra
President of EPA Board
Amira BuKadra is an Emirati writer and publisher, who currently serves
as President of the Emirates Publishers Association Board. She is also the co-founder
of Ghaf Publications and Library, a platform dedicated to supporting Emirati
literature and authors, offering reading experiences that draw from the
richness of heritage and speak to the present moment. She holds a business
degree from the Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai (1999). Amira began her
literary journey in 2016, producing works that blend creativity with the depth of experience,
including Al Ta’amour, and children’s books such as My sGrandmother’s
Henna Tree, and Goodnight, both of which have been translated into several
languages.
Dr. Abdullah Al Sharhan
Vice President of EPA Board
Abdullah Al Sharhan is an Emirati author, illustrator, and publisher. He is the Vice President of the Emirates Publishers Association Board and founder of Ajyal Publishing, which specializes in Arabic content for children and young adults. Known for directing Iftah Ya Simsim show and creating Hamdoon character, He also illustrated My Little World, a story collection by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Al Sharhanhas written and illustrated over 20 books. His work appears in UAE school curricula and publications by major cultural entities. He has won top literary awards and served as a jury member for several. Al Sharhan holds a master’s in Entrepreneurial Leadership and a PhD in Computer Science, with a focus on AI and NLP.
Fatima Al Khateeb
Secretary and Member of The Board
Fatima Al Khateeb Secretary and Member of The Board Fatima Al Khateeb is an Emirati writer and publisher. She serves as Secretary and Board Member of the Emirates Publishers Association and founded Sidra Publishing in 2021 to support Arab creatives and promote Arabic literature globally. With extensive experience in the cultural and literary field, Al Khateeb has supported Emirati and Arab authors through publishing, editing, and translation, and has contributed literary and medical articles to various platforms.
Hamda Al Bloushi
Treasurer and Board Member, Emirates Publishers Association
Hamda Al Bloushi is an Emirati publisher and children’s author. She currently serves as Treasurer and Board Member of the Emirates Publishers Association and is the founder of Aalamkum Publishing, a publishing house specialized in developing educational and literary content for children in Arabic.
She holds a diploma in American education and Montessori philosophy. She is also the founder of Saghariya, a project offering educational resources of her own design, focused on enhancing children's language and creative skills.
Al Bloushi regularly leads storytelling sessions and
workshops aimed at nurturing a love for the Arabic language and reading among
children. She has authored several children's books that reflect her vision of
connecting learning with imagination.
Mohamed Ali Obaid Bin Hatim
Member of The Board
Eng. Mohammed Ali Obaid Bin Hatim is a leading figure in organizing cultural exhibitions and book fairs in the UAE, enriching the local cultural scene by connecting intellectuals, publishers, and the public. He has served on various committees and contributed to cultural initiatives.
A specialized engineer in electronics and telecommunications, he blends technical expertise with cultural passion. Bin Hatim has launched community projects promoting culture and reading, notably through Thaqafa Publishing House, a platform supporting local literary production and cross-cultural dialogue.
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