emirates7 - The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), represented by a diverse group of established and up-and-coming publishing houses, is taking part in the 2025 Beijing International Book Fair, the largest platform for copyright exchange in Asia and the second largest book fair globally. Their participation highlights the UAE’s progress in the publishing sector, especially in children’s literature and innovative educational content.
This involvement underscores the EPA’s ongoing dedication to empowering Emirati publishers, fostering global collaboration, and enhancing the UAE’s visibility on the international publishing map.
At the fair, the EPA’s booth serves as a dynamic showcase of the UAE’s thriving publishing ecosystem, offering a mix of seasoned professionals and fresh voices in children’s and educational publishing. Among the featured participants are graduates of the “Onshur” programme—an initiative aimed at supporting the next generation of Emirati publishers through technical and professional development.
Notable participants include Hamda Al Baloushi, Manager of Aalamkom Publishing and Distribution and EPA Treasurer and Board Member; Salim Abdulrahman, Managing Director of AlRewaya Publishing; and Ghassan Rabih, representing Dar Rabie Publishing.
Also featured are “Onshur” alumni such as Dr. Asmaa Emara, founder of Dal for Publishing, which focuses on innovative methods for Arabic language education, and Fatema Al Hammadi, founder of Sohub Publishing and Distribution, which develops educational content tailored for people of determination and autistic students.
Running from June 18 to 22, the EPA’s programme at the fair includes several high-level events bringing together publishing professionals and content creators from both the UAE and China. A key highlight is the 2025 Global Children’s Book Forum, themed “Integrated Innovation in Children’s Books Amid New Realities,” where the EPA spotlighted the UAE’s leadership in children’s publishing and its commitment to cultivating reading habits among youth.
The schedule also features a panel discussion titled “Nurturing Young Minds: Children’s Publishing Priorities in the UAE and China,” featuring speakers like Hamda Al Baloushi and Ghassan Rabih, alongside prominent Chinese children’s publishers.
Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, emphasized that participating in global book fairs is a strategic move to facilitate copyright exchanges, expand professional networks, and open new international markets for Emirati and Arabic publications.
He noted, “This year, we placed special emphasis on the UAE’s achievements in children’s publishing—a genre that bridges cultures with universal themes expressed through a distinct local lens. Empowering emerging publishers who bring fresh ideas and genuine passion to the field is key to building a future of innovation and authenticity.”
He added, “Our presence at the Beijing International Book Fair aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to support creative industries like publishing, which play a crucial role in spreading knowledge and fostering cultural exchange. Events like this provide a stage to amplify our cultural voice and highlight the creative potential of the UAE. The participation of ‘Onshur’ graduates at such a significant event signals the vital role youth play in shaping the future of Emirati publishing.”
Hamda Al Baloushi described the experience as a major milestone in her career, offering valuable opportunities to connect and collaborate with publishers from around the world. She noted that the fair helped open new channels for cooperation and copyright exchange, particularly within the Asian market.
This involvement underscores the EPA’s ongoing dedication to empowering Emirati publishers, fostering global collaboration, and enhancing the UAE’s visibility on the international publishing map.
At the fair, the EPA’s booth serves as a dynamic showcase of the UAE’s thriving publishing ecosystem, offering a mix of seasoned professionals and fresh voices in children’s and educational publishing. Among the featured participants are graduates of the “Onshur” programme—an initiative aimed at supporting the next generation of Emirati publishers through technical and professional development.
Notable participants include Hamda Al Baloushi, Manager of Aalamkom Publishing and Distribution and EPA Treasurer and Board Member; Salim Abdulrahman, Managing Director of AlRewaya Publishing; and Ghassan Rabih, representing Dar Rabie Publishing.
Also featured are “Onshur” alumni such as Dr. Asmaa Emara, founder of Dal for Publishing, which focuses on innovative methods for Arabic language education, and Fatema Al Hammadi, founder of Sohub Publishing and Distribution, which develops educational content tailored for people of determination and autistic students.
Running from June 18 to 22, the EPA’s programme at the fair includes several high-level events bringing together publishing professionals and content creators from both the UAE and China. A key highlight is the 2025 Global Children’s Book Forum, themed “Integrated Innovation in Children’s Books Amid New Realities,” where the EPA spotlighted the UAE’s leadership in children’s publishing and its commitment to cultivating reading habits among youth.
The schedule also features a panel discussion titled “Nurturing Young Minds: Children’s Publishing Priorities in the UAE and China,” featuring speakers like Hamda Al Baloushi and Ghassan Rabih, alongside prominent Chinese children’s publishers.
Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, emphasized that participating in global book fairs is a strategic move to facilitate copyright exchanges, expand professional networks, and open new international markets for Emirati and Arabic publications.
He noted, “This year, we placed special emphasis on the UAE’s achievements in children’s publishing—a genre that bridges cultures with universal themes expressed through a distinct local lens. Empowering emerging publishers who bring fresh ideas and genuine passion to the field is key to building a future of innovation and authenticity.”
He added, “Our presence at the Beijing International Book Fair aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to support creative industries like publishing, which play a crucial role in spreading knowledge and fostering cultural exchange. Events like this provide a stage to amplify our cultural voice and highlight the creative potential of the UAE. The participation of ‘Onshur’ graduates at such a significant event signals the vital role youth play in shaping the future of Emirati publishing.”
Hamda Al Baloushi described the experience as a major milestone in her career, offering valuable opportunities to connect and collaborate with publishers from around the world. She noted that the fair helped open new channels for cooperation and copyright exchange, particularly within the Asian market.