Sharjah will establish a new distribution company under the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), to help local publishers expand their reach into regional and international markets with less operating costs.
The members of the UAE publishing fraternity have lauded the new directive issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah under which the new company is being formed. The EPA welcomed the directive by emphasizing the positive impact it will have on the national publishing industry.
The directive reflects Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi’s vision to support the local publishing sector and reduce the financial burden on publishers while also helping standardize and restructure processes to facilitate the expansion and reach of the industry, both locally and regionally.
Ali Obaid Bin Hatem President – EPA
“The directive to form a distribution company operating under EPA will facilitate the restructuring of the existing distribution process and mitigate the financial burden of publishers. It will also help bolster the presence and boost the share of Emirati publishers in both local and international markets and their representation in relevant global cultural forums.”
The support and patronage of the Sharjah Ruler have been a key force in the development and advancement of the local and Arab publishing sectors. The new directive will pave the way for a steady flow of Arab titles into new markets and to a wider cross-section of the community, Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of EPA stated.
“We are well aware of the importance of streamlining the distribution strategy and services as currently, many distributors impose high fees on publishers that are negatively impacting sales, further aggravating the upheavals caused by the pandemic. The Sharjah Ruler’s directive comes at a critical juncture and will lay the foundation for a new era in publishing,” Mr. Al Kous added.
