Emirates Publishers Association’s 2026 General Assembly Launches Ambitious Plan to Accelerate Growth, Innovation, and Global Competitiveness of Emirati Publishers

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The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) recently held its 2026 Ordinary General Assembly, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to advance corporate governance, transparency, and engagement within the UAE’s publishing sector. With the presence of Board Members and key officials from the Ministry of Community Empowerment, this assembly underscored the EPA’s unwavering commitment to nurturing a dynamic and progressive publishing industry.

The event opened with a heartfelt acknowledgment of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the Founder and Honorary President of the EPA. Her leadership and steadfast dedication to the growth of the publishing sector have played a crucial role in empowering the industry. Through her efforts, the publishing landscape in the UAE has seen remarkable growth, both domestically and on a global scale. Attendees of the assembly expressed their deep appreciation for her tireless work, which has undeniably contributed to the expansion of the sector’s reach and influence.

Following this, the General Assembly moved on to review and ratify the minutes of the previous meeting. Additionally, the EPA Board presented their annual report for the year ending 2025. The report outlined several key initiatives and programs that were instrumental in empowering publishers, increasing their visibility, and boosting the UAE’s publishing sector’s profile on the international stage. These efforts have contributed significantly to elevating the stature of Emirati publishers and have positioned them as important players in the global publishing arena.

The discussions also touched upon the upcoming events and activities scheduled for 2026. The proposed work plan for the year was met with enthusiasm, with a focus on expanding services for publishers. One of the key points of the plan is to introduce more professional initiatives aimed at strengthening the publishing sector’s infrastructure. Another major highlight is to reinforce the EPA’s position as a driving force in shaping the future of the UAE’s publishing industry, as well as enhancing its influence across the Middle East and beyond.

In addition to the progress reports and proposed activities, the assembly approved the 2026 budget and ratified the final accounts for the fiscal year ending 2025. This move is in line with the EPA’s commitment to financial transparency and adhering to high standards of regulatory integrity. The approval of the budget reflects the association’s readiness to continue supporting its members and implementing its ambitious programs for the coming year.

A significant development during the assembly was the announcement by the Ministry of Community Empowerment regarding the appointment of Mr. Sultan Saif Al Mazrouei, the founder of Dar Al Saif Publishing, to the EPA Board. This move is part of the EPA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its leadership with experienced professionals who can guide the organization towards greater achievements. Mr. Al Mazrouei’s extensive background in the publishing industry will undoubtedly bring valuable insights and expertise to the EPA’s strategic direction.

The assembly also provided a platform for members to review several proposals aimed at enhancing operational mechanisms within the EPA. One of the key discussions centered around the idea of creating a comprehensive platform that would provide valuable data and insights for readers, authors, publishers, and cultural institutions. Such a platform would be instrumental in fostering collaboration among different stakeholders in the publishing sector and helping them make informed decisions. The proposed platform would also benefit policymakers and investors, providing them with the necessary tools to understand the trends and dynamics of the publishing industry more effectively.

As the assembly concluded, the Emirates Publishers Association reaffirmed its commitment to the UAE’s vision for leadership, innovation, and a sustainable knowledge-driven economy. The strategic plan for 2026 is designed to align with these aspirations, with an emphasis on enhancing the competitiveness of the publishing industry. Through the implementation of transformative initiatives, the EPA aims to accelerate the digital transformation of the publishing sector, enabling publishers to reach new heights of success.

Furthermore, the EPA’s 2026 strategy includes expanding the global reach of Emirati publishers. By leveraging innovative technologies and fostering international partnerships, the Association seeks to ensure that Emirati publishers gain greater visibility in regional and international markets. This will not only contribute to the growth of the UAE’s publishing industry but will also reinforce the country’s position as a leading global hub for publishing excellence.

In conclusion, the Emirates Publishers Association’s 2026 Ordinary General Assembly marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing development of the UAE’s publishing industry. With an unwavering commitment to transparency, innovation, and empowerment, the EPA is positioning itself as a major force in shaping the future of publishing, both locally and internationally. Through strategic initiatives, financial transparency, and a focus on digital transformation, the EPA is poised to lead the way in the global publishing landscape, driving growth and fostering a sustainable knowledge-based economy.