The Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language, in collaboration with the Emirates Publishers Association, has recently organized the second edition of the Emirati Publishers Forum at the Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi. This event is part of the center’s efforts to enhance the local publishing industry and support Emirati publishers.

During the forum, the first initiative of the community campaign to support sustainable reading was launched. This campaign aligns with the National Reading Month, which carries the slogan “The UAE Reads.” As part of this initiative, a category for digital books has been designated within the “Spotlight on Copyright” grant for 2025, aimed at enriching the Arabic digital library with high-quality local publications. This initiative also reflects the leadership’s commitment to nurturing Emirati creativity.

The forum featured 50 Emirati publishers specializing in various fields, including literature, thought, science, children’s literature, digital and audio publishing, and copyright. It highlighted the center’s efforts to support these publishers and promote Arabic content, while also discussing the center’s local and international publishing projects. Furthermore, the forum shed light on initiatives that will be presented at the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, scheduled to take place from April 26 to May 5.

Saeed Hamdan Al-Tunji, the Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language and the Director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, stated that the center aims to play a significant role in developing the publishing sector both locally and internationally. He emphasized that they will provide quality projects and programs that align with their strategic vision to enhance the presence of the Arabic language. In the context of the community campaign to support sustainable reading, he announced that 500 grants will be offered to Emirati publishers under the “Spotlight on Copyright” initiative, aimed at facilitating their transition to digital and audio formats for printed books.

Rashed Al-Kous, the Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, remarked on the richness of Arab culture and the importance of conveying it to diverse cultures and civilizations. He expressed appreciation for the significant role played by the Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair in supporting Emirati publishers. Al-Kous emphasized the need for unity among publishers to support Emirati and Arab culture, stating that the current developments in the cultural scene provide an opportunity for all publishers to strive and showcase their intellectual and cultural contributions.