MoU Between EPA and Ministry of Economy and Tourism Reinforces UAE’s Commitment to Sustainable Knowledge Development 

nabd-alhadath  ـ  Ahmad Bin AbdulQader

  Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), witnessed yesterday the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Association and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, on the sidelines of the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation and knowledge exchange in the field of intellectual property and to support the publishing industry in the United Arab Emirates. 

The MoU was signed by Amira BuKadra, President of the Emirates Publishers Association Board, and H.E. Dr Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for the Intellectual Property (IP) Sector at the Ministry, in the presence of H.E. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. 

The agreement 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. It also aims to empower the local publishing sector through joint training and awareness initiatives, while expanding cooperation with regional and international partners. 

Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said: “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.” 

She added: “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 the signing of this agreement marks a pivotal step towards building a sustainable knowledge ecosystem that supports creators and publishers, and enhances the UAE’s competitiveness in the creative economy sector. She said:
“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: “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 programmes, strengthening their presence in local and international markets, and offering broader opportunities for creativity and growth.” 

H.E. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh stated that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding reflects the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with various partners to support the knowledge-based economy in the United Arab Emirates. He added: 

“We are confident that protecting intellectual property rights forms the solid foundation upon which innovation and development across all creative sectors are built—particularly the publishing sector, which holds a pivotal position in the country’s cultural and economic landscape. Through this partnership, we aim to develop an advanced legislative framework that provides creators and publishers with the ideal environment for growth and enhances the UAE’s competitiveness regionally and globally through joint initiatives and specialised programmes in training, awareness, and knowledge exchange.” 

He also affirmed the Ministry’s full commitment to unifying efforts and fostering integration to further strengthen the UAE’s leading position on the global cultural map. 

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 organising 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 specialised organisations such as the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). 

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.