The publishing industry in the UAE is flourishing with a focus on sustainability

Over the past decade, the United Arab Emirates publishing industry has made significant strides in development

on Jul 17, 2023

The publishing industry in the UAE is flourishing with a focus on sustainability

Since the invention of printing in the mid-15th century, the publishing industry has served as the primary conduit for cultural dissemination, responsible for transmitting human thoughts and creative works through various mediums. Publishers shoulder the financial burden of intellectual production while overseeing and coordinating relationships among the involved parties, such as authors, printers, and distributors.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the global market, the publishing industry has shown remarkable resilience. As of 2020, the global publishing market is estimated to have reached $288 billion, and a report by research company Report Linker projects that the market will expand to around $316.8 billion by 2027.

Over the past decade, the United Arab Emirates publishing industry has made significant strides in development, positioning the drive for success in keeping up with the demands of the digital age thanks to the government's keen interest in this sector and state-of-the-art technological infrastructure.

Due to its advanced technological infrastructure, the UAE's publishing sector has shown remarkable resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic. The infrastructure has enabled adoption of electronic publishing methods, supported by initiatives such as the "Crisis Fund for Publishers" launched by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority and founder of the Emirates Publishers Association. These proactive measures have played a crucial role in ensuring the continuity of publishing businesses and effectively addressing the pandemic's challenges on publishers.

The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) is dedicated to enhancing the publishing industry in the UAE by providing a comprehensive range of services, insights, training, and effective communication. Additionally, the EPA acknowledges the importance of considering the industry's environmental impact and recognizes that technological advancements and the rise of artificial intelligence techniques can help ensure sustainability at the publishing and distribution levels.

The adoption of modern technologies and artificial intelligence in the publishing sector is not only crucial for its sustainability and adaptability but also contributes to the goals of environmental preservation and combating climate change.

Recognising this, the EPA plays a vital role in promoting awareness among local publishers about sustainable practices in the industry. These practices encompass various initiatives, such as utilizing sustainable materials for printing, prioritising digital publishing, implementing print-on-demand mechanisms, and adopting sustainable office practices.

Recognising the noble message that every publisher carries for their community and beyond, it becomes essential for local publishers to unite and embrace sustainable work methodologies across the entire value chain of the publishing industry. These methodologies should be flexible, effective, and able to adapt to the fast-paced nature of the times and the evolving needs of readers.

The adoption of modern technology and artificial intelligence is crucial for sustainability and combating climate change in the publishing sector. The EPA promotes sustainable practices, including the use of sustainable materials for printing, digital publishing, print-on-demand mechanisms, and sustainable office practices, to local publishers.