Sharjah: H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the EPA and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism during the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2025. The agreement is set to enhance cooperation and knowledge exchange in intellectual property and support the UAE's publishing industry.
According to Emirates News Agency, the MoU was signed by Amira BuKadra, President of the EPA Board, and Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for the Intellectual Property (IP) Sector at the Ministry. The signing was attended by Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. This agreement aims to establish a joint framework to protect intellectual property rights, enhance awareness on the importance of safeguarding creative content, and promote the exchange of expertise and information in legislation, innovation, and knowledge.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi emphasized the significance of the MoU as a commitment to cultural innovation and the protection of creators' rights, underscoring the belief that knowledge is foundational for sustainable development. She highlighted the EPA's role in fostering a culture of publishing and creativity, aiming to empower publishers and creators and strengthen collaboration with national institutions in intellectual property.
Amira BuKadra described the signing as a pivotal step towards building a sustainable knowledge ecosystem that supports creators and publishers, enhancing the UAE's competitive edge in the creative economy. She expressed enthusiasm for the MoU's potential to advance the book industry, safeguard creative rights, and foster collaboration with national institutions in intellectual property.
Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh noted that the MoU reflects the Ministry's dedication to bolstering partnerships that support the UAE's knowledge-based economy. The partnership aims to develop an advanced legislative framework conducive to growth for creators and publishers, enhancing the UAE's regional and global competitiveness.
Under the MoU, both parties will cooperate to develop a legislative environment supportive of intellectual property rights and back research projects and initiatives that foster innovation in the publishing sector. The agreement also encompasses organizing joint conferences, workshops, and exhibitions to promote creativity and awareness of intellectual property rights, alongside participation in international meetings and conferences, especially those in collaboration with organizations like the World Intellectual Property Organisation.