Emirates Publishers Association Inks Pacts Including China Translation Pilot at SIBF

The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) announced the signing of two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Sharjah Media Council and digital platform Publishing 3.0+ on the sidelines of the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) at Expo Centre Sharjah, Gulf News reported.

The agreement with Publishing 3.0+ focuses on developing its platform and expanding publisher adoption, starting with a pilot translation programme between Chinese and Arabic. According to the EPA, the initiative tests how publishers can share intellectual property and access readership across borders, while also encompassing content conversion, rights management, licensing, promotion, and commercial cooperation connecting publishers in the UAE, Hong Kong, and mainland China.

A separate MoU signed with the Sharjah Media Council provides institutional facilities and support for Emirati publishing entities. The accord focuses on simplifying administrative procedures, making industry-relevant regulatory services more accessible, and organising joint workshops, industry meetings, and awareness sessions.

Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, stated that the agreements seek to ease access to sector services while exploring modern tools for translation and content development to help publishers penetrate international markets. The association also convened an Arab publishers' meeting on November 5 during the fair, which runs from November 4 to 15, 2026.