MoU aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise

Abu Dhabi,  October 22. 2018

The National Media Council (NMC) and the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) – have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support and enhance the publishing sector in the UAE through mutual collaboration, and sharing of knowledge and expertise. The MoU is also aimed at streamlining efforts to boost cultural and intellectual mobility in the UAE, supporting Emirati publishers and offering new horizons and opportunities to national, regional and international UAE-based libraries and publishing houses.

The agreement was signed off in the presence of HE Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of the National Media Council; and HE Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, by HE Dr Rashid Al Nuaimi, Acting Director General of NMC; and Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF.

The new MoU aligns with NMC’s and SBA’s efforts to strengthen their collaboration and joint actions aimed at supporting the development of this vital sector. It also supports the UAE’s endeavors to adopt the policy of complementarity and sustainable partnerships to achieve the effective results in the publishing sector, particularly in the books industry and knowledge production at the local level. NMC will facilitate the entry of books, which will be on display at the book fair, and will offer SIBF the media and public information support of the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber said: 'We highly value the vision of the wise leadership in support of cultural and knowledge growth in the UAE. This vision, has played a prominent role in establishing the pre-eminence of the UAE’s publishing sector through supporting the Emirati writers and publishers. Also, investing in people has laid the foundations for the advancement of knowledge, culture and heritage in the UAE and for the progress and development of its society.”

H.E added: 'Sharjah International Book Fair has succeeded in enhancing the position of the UAE and its international reputation in the publishing and content industry, with the country now a preferred destination for numerous publishing houses, writers, researchers and intellectuals from around the world. Our agreement with Sharjah International Book Fair is a continuation of joint efforts to enhance the competitiveness of the sector and to create an environment where culture, heritage and knowledge can thrive. NMC (National Media Council) seeks to contribute to the promotion of the publishing sector and the book industry and to support all efforts to create a cultural and knowledge renaissance that will see the UAE rightfully take its place as a global cultural beacon.'

For his part, HE Ahmed Al Ameri said: “SIBF has enabled the UAE’s culture and knowledge industries undergo a major transformation.  It has contributed significantly to supporting and enhancing the UAE’s print and publishing industries, and has been a source of inspiration to authors and researchers who looking for an incubator for their creative development. It fostered a love of reading, enhanced a passion of acquiring knowledge among people and promoted the Arab culture globally, which makes it a key cultural milestone in UAE’s cultural landscape. Hence, the MoU represents an opportunity to continue developing  Sharjah’s and the UAE cultural plans in different fields that are aimed at creating innovative media and professional techniques to promote SIBF’s presence locally and globally, and serves NMC’s approach and supports its role.”

Al Ameri added: “The MoU aligns with the UAE’s national vision, which encourages stronger collaborations between organisations to work more effectively and comprehensively towards implementing new plans and fulfilling aspirations at all levels. The vision of SBA, set by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, is in line with NMC’s vision, particularly in terms of creating an environment that supports and fosters the UAE’s creative industries.”

The MoU serves both entities at the administrative and executive levels, helping them to coordinate their efforts. The NMC will develop the systems and standards aimed at regulating media and publishing, and recommend legislation and mechanisms to control all cultural, media and creative activities. SIBF’s vision highlights the importance of the book industry and of enhancing the developmental impact of knowledge to fulfil the aspiration of Sharjah and UAE.

The MoU also stipulates that NMC and SIBF will cooperate in the innovation and development of both culture and media to promote new experiences regionally, developing an environment that promotes all cultural projects undertaken by the UAE. Additionally, they will also partner in the field of information services to promote SIBF in different languages.