In a significant international achievement reflecting the growing global stature of the publishing sector in the UAE, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has granted the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) observer status during its 66th General Assembly held in Geneva from July 8 to 17. This event brought together representatives from member countries and organizations focused on intellectual property rights worldwide. This status enables the association to attend meetings of WIPO member states and the unions it manages, providing a platform for involvement in discussions and policy-making regarding publishing and intellectual property rights on an international scale. This move underscores a commitment to protecting creative rights and enhancing access to knowledge and innovation.
Impact of WIPO Membership on the Publishing Landscape
The membership approval is a commendable milestone for the Emirates Publishers Association and the broader Arab publishing industry. “Joining WIPO as an observer marks a pivotal moment in the journey of the EPA and the entire Arab publishing sector,” stated Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, founder and CEO of the EPA. “This affiliation ensures that our publishers and creators are heard in global discussions about intellectual property. It reinforces our commitment to protecting creative rights, promoting access to knowledge, and fostering innovation alongside cultural diversity.”
A Step Towards Greater Collaboration
Rashed Al Khos, the Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, expressed pride in this achievement, highlighting that WIPO membership serves as a crucial step toward empowering publishers internationally and bolstering the UAE’s status as a regional hub for publishing and creativity. “Through this membership, we aim to strengthen copyright protection and enable local publishers to access broader horizons of cooperation and knowledge. We will continue to ensure that the voice of the UAE resonates in all matters pertaining to publishing and intellectual property rights, contributing to the development of these rights both regionally and globally to serve the future of creativity and content production,” he added.
Advancing the Publishing Sector in the UAE
This accomplishment underscores the pivotal role of the Emirates Publishers Association in representing the publishing sector both locally and regionally while providing professional support to Emirati publishers at various cultural forums. Furthermore, this international recognition comes at a time when the association is striving to enhance the publishing framework in the UAE, improve regulatory laws, and expand legal protections for creative content.
With over 360 Emirati publishing houses as its members, the association actively works to promote the publishing profession and cultivate a reading culture. It supports initiatives aimed at encouraging reading and combating illiteracy by providing books and enhancing access to knowledge. Joining WIPO represents a new chapter for the association, paving the way for expanded influence and active participation in shaping a more sustainable future for the creative sector in the UAE and the Arab world.