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In a move to encourage and support the burgeoning publishing industry in the UAE, the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) has exempted the first year’s local licensing fee for start-ups participating at the Sharjah International Book Fair, hosted under the patronage of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
The decree was approved by the Sharjah Executive Council during the 30th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair organized by the Department of Culture and Information from 16-26 November. The decision aims to help local and international publishers to establish operations in Sharjah and attract greater participation at the annual book fair.
Her Highness Sheikha Budoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Emirates Publishers Association, said: “We applaud the initiative of the Sharjah Department of Economic Development to exempt UAE publishing houses from the initial licensing fee. The decree has been passed to provide support and encourage the publishing industry in the UAE, in addition to positioning Sharjah International Book Fair as an access point for establishing operations in Sharjah.”
“We believe it is the responsibility of everyone, across all sectors to support the publishing industry and not merely the intellectuals, thinkers and workers within this field. We hope that in the near future more decrees supporting the development of this important sector will be ratified.”
His Excellency Ali bin Salem Al Mahmoud, Director General, SEDD, said: “The Economic Development Department’s decision of exempting publishers participating in Sharjah International Book Fair from the first year licensing fee is in line with the directives of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. His tireless efforts in supporting cultural events organized by Sharjah are a testimony of his commitment to keep our heritage and traditions alive while we progress along with the global landscape.”
“This decree and other measures taken by the Government of Sharjah to mitigate the licensing fee confirm our commitment to help owners of small and medium enterprises within the publishing industry and offer them an ideal investment environment in Sharjah.”
The 30th edition of Sharjah Book Fair has gathered 894 Arab and international publishing houses offering more than 300,000 book titles at the exhibition. The event serves as an interactive platform for publishing industry and aims to create an interest in reading among people, especially the younger generation.
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