The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) will use the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026 to connect Emirati publishers with international partners, publishing experts and new tools. Taking place from 13 to 18 September, the programme will focus on Arabic content, changing reader expectations, educational publishing and global market access.
For publishers attending the fair, EPA’s programme offers more than a series of discussions. It is designed as a practical platform for professional development, business matchmaking, rights opportunities and knowledge-sharing across the publishing industry.
EPA programme brings international publishing opportunities to Abu Dhabi
The association’s participation will include workshops, expert-led sessions, professional meetings and strategic collaborations. These activities are intended to help publishers in the Emirates respond to digital transformation and changing reading habits while strengthening their international networks.
HE Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, said the industry is changing rapidly and that Emirati publishers need the knowledge, tools and partnerships to help shape its future. He added that the Abu Dhabi programme would turn professional events into opportunities to exchange expertise, explore markets and build stronger publishing businesses.
The planned activities include:
- A discussion on how publishers can respond to evolving reader preferences.
- A business matchmaking meeting between Emirati and international publishing houses.
- The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Miqyas Al Dhad.
- Workshops introducing tools for analysing and classifying Arabic texts.
- Sessions examining educational publishing and the wider creative ecosystem.
- Participation in the Reading Retreat 2026.
Focus on readers, content quality and digital change
EPA began its Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026 programme with a panel titled “Publishing Today: Bridging the Gap Between What Publishers Produce and What Readers Expect.” The session was held on the Don Quixote stage in partnership with PublisHer.
PublisHer was founded by EPA Founder and Honorary President Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bin Sultan Al Qasimi. The organisation supports women working across publishing through mentorship, industry dialogue, recognition programmes and practical resources.
The panel examined how publishers can improve the connection between books and their audiences. Topics included content creation, audience engagement, book presentation and marketing strategies. Speakers also discussed how publishers can adapt their business models as reading habits and digital platforms continue to develop.
Participants included EPA Board President and Ghaf Publishing Co-founder Ameera BuKadra, as well as Reem Madkour, founder of Dardasha and recipient of the PublisHer x VISA “She’s Next” Grant 2025. The discussion was moderated by Asma Siddiq Al Mutawa, founder and chairperson of Al Multaqa Literary Salon and a member of the PublisHer Advisory Board.
Business matchmaking aims to expand global connections
On the second day of the fair, EPA will support a dedicated matchmaking meeting linking Emirati publishers with international publishing houses. The meeting is being organised with the Nomad Cultural Foundation.
The format is intended to create direct professional contacts and encourage conversations about cooperation, publishing practices and international market trends. It also supports EPA’s wider objective of helping members develop rights-exchange opportunities and reach readers beyond the region.
For Emirati publishers, international networking can help identify potential partners, improve market knowledge and create pathways for Arabic and locally produced books to gain wider visibility.
New agreement will support Arabic-language publishing
EPA is scheduled to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Miqyas Al Dhad on 15 September. The partnership will focus on Arabic-language publishing, reading-level assessment and the development of content for different audiences.
An interactive workshop after the signing will demonstrate Miqyas Al Dhad’s “Text Analyzer” and “Find a Book” tools. Publishers will be shown how the solutions can analyse and classify Arabic content according to reading levels.
Such tools may help publishers evaluate whether books are appropriate for particular reader groups and support more targeted content development. The initiative also reflects a broader effort to improve access to Arabic reading materials suited to different ages, abilities and interests.
Educational publishing and reading culture on the agenda
Educational publishing will be another major theme during the professional programme. HE Rashid Al Kous is due to participate in a session titled “Global Educational Publishing”, which will examine international developments affecting the sector.
He will also join “Developing the Creative Ecosystem”, a Ministry of Culture session focused on support for creators and publishers. The discussion will consider how the creative sector can contribute to a sustainable environment for cultural production and encourage reading.
EPA will additionally participate in Reading Retreat 2026, organised by the Ministry of Community Empowerment in partnership with the Ministry of Culture. The retreat will look at the UAE’s progress in promoting reading and consider future initiatives for the publishing ecosystem.
What the programme means for UAE publishers
The EPA programme brings together several priorities shaping the UAE publishing industry:
- Professional skills: Workshops and expert sessions will provide practical knowledge for publishers.
- International growth: Matchmaking meetings will help members explore partnerships and overseas markets.
- Arabic content: The Miqyas Al Dhad agreement will address reading-level assessment and content suitability.
- Educational publishing: Industry leaders will discuss global trends and emerging opportunities.
- Reading development: The Reading Retreat will examine ways to strengthen reading habits and cultural participation.
For visitors and publishing professionals, Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026 will therefore serve as both a public literary event and an industry-focused meeting point.
Conclusion
The Emirates Publishers Association’s presence at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026 highlights the UAE’s efforts to build a more connected, innovative and internationally competitive publishing sector. By combining professional training, Arabic-content development, business matchmaking and reading initiatives, the programme gives Emirati publishers practical routes to strengthen their work and reach new audiences.
