Emirati publishers elect new board for 2011-2013

01 March 2011

The newly elected board members include Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and CEO of Kalimat Publishing House,Ali Obaid Bin Hatem, Chairman of Thaqafa for Publishing and Distribution , Dr. Latifa Ibrahim Al Najjar, Director of the Publishing Department at Dar Al-Aalm Al-Arabi for Publishing and Distributing House, Mohammed Ahmed bin Dakhin, Owner and Director of Takheel Publishing House, and Jamal Ibrahim Al Shehi, Director of Kutab Publishing House.

The Association represents UAE publishers locally and internationally, develops the publishing industry, protects the interests of publishers, cooperates with local bodies working in the fields of publishing, printing and distribution, and participates in local and international book fairs and conferences and, during the meeting, Sheikha Bodour praised the successes achieves since it was founded two years ago, attributing these to the efforts, determination and aspirations of the board members.
"The board has worked tirelessly to achieve the objectives of the Association, which is dedicated to serving and improving the publishing industry and publishers in the UAE, and each member has gone to great lengths to achieve success thus far. While we are satisfied with these achievements, we are even more determined to build on our successes and reach even greater heights," Sheikha Bodour said.
Highlighting the need to press ahead with efforts to raise the status of UAE culture, Sheikha Bodour said: "I would like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks and appreciation to the Association's current board members for their efforts, and I hope that the new board members will proceed with the march of success initiated by their predecessors."
In addition to the election of the new board, a host of other issues concerning the publishing sector were also discussed during the General Assembly meeting. This included ways to further promote the publishing industry in light of the results that have been achieved since the establishment of the Association, and the great role it has played in promoting Emirati publishers and developing the UAE's cultural movement, which has gained special support from all levels of society.
Other items on the agenda included approving the minutes of the General Assembly meeting held in Abu Dhabi in March 2010 and reviewing the Association's administrative reports and activities, as well as its financial report.
The meeting also approved the 2010 budget and presented an estimated budget for 2011.
In addition, it adopted a new mechanism on unifying the membership period, with December 31 of each year being set as the date for membership renewal.

Members further engaged in an open debate covering several administrative, professional and general topics related to the publishing sector and concerning publishers. Appropriate decisions were taken and the necessary recommendations were made regarding these issues.

-Ends-

© Press Release 2011

The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) yesterday elected new board members for the 2011 - 2013 term during its General Assembly meeting, which was chaired by EPA President, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. The election was conducted through a secret ballot - in the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Social Affairs - at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Bodour Al Qasimi urges new board to continue to promote Emirati publishers