The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) to strengthen collaboration and support the publishing sector.
The MoU was signed by Amira BuKadra, President of the Emirates Publishers Association Board, and HE Dr Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for the Intellectual Property (IP) Sector at the Ministry, in the presence of HH Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the EPA ,and HE Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.
Key objectives of MoET-EPA MoU
The agreement, signed at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025, aims to promote cultural and economic initiatives, enhance knowledge exchange, and advance the publishing industry within the UAE and beyond. This partnership with EPA underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering innovation, cultural development, and economic diversification.
With the agreement, the ministry and EPA aims to enhance cooperation and knowledge exchange in the field of intellectual property and to support the publishing industry in the United Arab Emirates. It seeks to establish a joint framework to protect intellectual property rights, raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding creative content, and promote the exchange of expertise and information in the areas of legislation, innovation, and knowledge.
The MoU also aims to empower the local publishing sector through joint training and awareness initiatives, while expanding cooperation with regional and international partners.
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Under the terms of the MoU, both parties will cooperate to develop a legislative environment that supports intellectual property rights, and to back research projects and initiatives that foster innovation and encourage scientific advancement in the publishing sector.
The areas of cooperation will also include organizing joint conferences, workshops, and exhibitions to promote creativity and awareness of intellectual property rights, as well as participation in international meetings and conferences, particularly those held in collaboration with specialized organizations such as the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi Founder and President Emirates Publishers Association (EPA)
“The signing of this MoU between the Emirates Publishers Association and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism embodies our steadfast commitment to supporting cultural innovation and protecting the rights of creators. It reflects our deep belief that knowledge is the cornerstone of sustainable development. Since its establishment, EPA has served as a beacon for promoting a culture of publishing and creativity. Through this strategic partnership, we seek to empower publishers and creators, open new horizons for collaboration with national institutions in the field of intellectual property, and strengthen the foundations of a balanced knowledge economy that safeguards rights and encourages creative production.”
Her Highness affirmed her full support for all national initiatives that contribute to reinforcing the UAE’s position as a regional and global hub for culture and knowledge, and as a nurturing environment for creators, thinkers, and content producers.
Amira BuKadra stated that, “We are delighted to sign this MoU with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism within the framework of the Sharjah International Book Fair, a leading platform celebrating knowledge and creativity. This step extends our efforts to advance the book industry, safeguard creative rights, and expand cooperation with national institutions concerned with intellectual property to develop the country’s publishing sector.”
She added that, “We believe that collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism will contribute to developing policies and initiatives that ensure the prosperity of the local publishing industry. Through this partnership, we will work to empower publishers by providing access to joint awareness and training programs, strengthening their presence in local and international markets, and offering broader opportunities for creativity and growth.”
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HE Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh emphasized that the MoU signing highlights the Ministry’s dedication to collaborating with partners to advance the UAE’s knowledge-based economy. He affirmed that protecting intellectual property is crucial for innovation and growth, especially within the publishing sector, a vital part of the nation’s cultural and economic fabric.
Al Saleh said that through the partnership with EPA, the Ministry seeks to establish a robust legislative framework that nurtures creators and publishers, enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness via joint training, awareness, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to unifying efforts to boost the UAE’s leadership on the global cultural stage.
This agreement reflects the shared commitment of both parties to strengthening the intellectual property ecosystem in the UAE, protecting the rights of publishers, and promoting innovation and development across scientific, cultural, and technological fields. It establishes a solid foundation for joint efforts aimed at achieving the strategic objectives that serve the interests of the UAE’s knowledge- and creativity-driven economy.
