Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), in collaboration with the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), recently organised the second edition of the Emirati Publishers Forum at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. This initiative is part of the Centre's ongoing efforts to bolster the local publishing industry and support Emirati publishers.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum was attended by Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, and marked the launch of the first initiative under the Centre's Sustainable Reading Campaign. This campaign aligns with the National Reading Month themed 'UAE Reads', and has awarded the Digital Book category of the 'Spotlight on Rights' grant for 2025 to Emirati publishers. The objective is to enrich the Arabic digital library with high-quality local publications, reflecting the UAE leadership's commitment to nurturing creative talent within the Emirati community.
Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the ALC and Director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), participated in the event alongside Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, and 50 Emirati publishers. These publishers specialize in literature, thought, sciences, children's books, digital and audio publishing, and copyright. The forum highlighted the ALC's initiatives to support Emirati publishers and promote Arabic-language content creation, discussing both local and international publishing projects and upcoming plans for the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, scheduled from April 26 to May 5, 2025.
Participants were informed about the ALC's key programmes and initiatives, its latest publications, and available funding opportunities, including grants and awards. Al Tunaiji emphasized the Centre's commitment to supporting Emirati publishers, enabling them to gain valuable experience, collaborate with leading international publishers, and showcase their intellectual and creative projects.
Al Tunaiji stated that the Centre aims to advance the publishing sector through innovative projects and programmes aligned with its strategic vision to strengthen the Arabic language. He announced that during the upcoming Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, 500 grants would be offered to Emirati publishers under the 'Spotlight on Rights' initiative to aid their transition towards e-book and audiobook publishing. Additionally, awards overseen by the Centre will provide opportunities for creators to enrich and develop the cultural landscape, reflecting the UAE's advanced cultural stature.
Rashid Al Kous praised the ALC's dedication to supporting Emirati publishers and local content production, expressing appreciation for the governmental framework that empowers the publishing and knowledge industries. He highlighted the Emirati book's role as an ambassador for the UAE and Arab culture.
The forum underscored the ALC's preparations for the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, focusing on initiatives that support and engage Emirati publishers. Discussions explored the contributions of Emirati publishers to the development of the Arabic content industry and the promotion of cultural awareness, aligning with the UAE's designation of 2025 as the 'Year of Community'.