Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026 Sees ERRA Drive New Push For Rights Awareness And Creative Growth

The Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA) is taking part in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026, held from 13 to 18 September, through a specialised cultural and professional programme focused on advancing awareness of reprographic rights, copyright protection, and the responsible use of intellectual works. The association’s participation highlights the importance of collective rights management in building a stronger publishing ecosystem and supporting the long-term growth of the creative industries.

As part of its presence at the fair, ERRA signed a memorandum of understanding with the Emirates Library and Information Association, marking a significant step towards deeper cooperation between the two organisations. The agreement reflects their shared commitment to exchanging knowledge, strengthening institutional partnerships, and using their combined expertise and resources to support the UAE’s publishing and library sectors.

The newly signed MoU creates a structured framework for collaboration between both parties. It includes the exchange of professional expertise, specialised information, skills, research, and relevant data in line with established legal and regulatory standards. The partnership will also encourage the development of joint training programmes, workshops, awareness campaigns, research initiatives, and knowledge-sharing activities aimed at increasing understanding of copyright and reprographic rights across the country.

Through this collaboration, ERRA and the Emirates Library and Information Association will work together to promote best practices, provide technical and legal guidance, and support initiatives that strengthen the protection of creative works. The partnership is designed to contribute to a more responsible publishing environment where authors, publishers, and content creators can benefit from stronger recognition and protection of their intellectual contributions.

Alongside its institutional initiatives, ERRA is participating in knowledge-focused discussions during the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. The association joined a panel session titled “Publishing Without Piracy”, organised by the Sea of Culture Foundation, where experts discussed the challenges linked to unauthorised reproduction and distribution of protected works.

The discussion examined the legal, professional, and financial consequences of copyright violations while exploring practical solutions to encourage ethical publishing practices. The session also highlighted the importance of protecting the rights of content owners and creating a sustainable creative economy that allows publishers and creators to continue producing valuable literary and intellectual works.

ERRA’s programme at the fair will continue with another panel discussion titled “Intellectual Property and Rights Protection: From Legislation to Impact”. The session will focus on how intellectual property laws and regulatory frameworks can be transformed into effective actions that protect authors, publishers, and creative professionals while reducing the misuse of protected literary and artistic materials.

The association will conclude its participation with a session titled “Authenticity in Creativity and the Publishing Industry”. The discussion will highlight the importance of maintaining originality in creative production, encouraging ethical standards within the publishing sector, and recognising the value of intellectual property.

Through its participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026, ERRA aims to strengthen dialogue around copyright protection, promote responsible content use, and support an environment where creativity can thrive. The association’s initiatives underline the vital role of rights management in empowering creators, protecting innovation, and ensuring the sustainable development of the publishing industry in the UAE.

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 involvement in the Fair reflects its continued commitment to creating a strong and coordinated system for safeguarding reprographic rights. Through this participation, ERRA aims to strengthen collaborations with organisations across the publishing, cultural, and education sectors while introducing programmes that promote awareness, encourage responsible content usage, and facilitate lawful access to protected materials. These initiatives contribute to reinforcing the UAE’s reputation as a forward-looking hub that values creativity, knowledge development, and the protection of intellectual property rights.