News

H.E. Mohammed Al Shehhi:

• The SIBF advances the value chain of the publishing industry and strengthens the media economy.
• The UAE Media Council has facilitated the entry of over 766,000 titles since the beginning of the year.
• The UAE upholds a flexible regulatory environment that supports publishers.

United Arab Emirates, 18 November 2024: The UAE Media Council concluded its participation at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), held at Expo Centre Sharjah. Throughout the event, the Council’s stand witnessed extensive visits and conducted key discussion sessions with representatives of leading publishing houses, writers, and content creators.

These facilitated the exchange of views on the challenges faced by the publishing and media sectors and fostered dialogue on potential solutions to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of the publishing industry, as well as the regulation of media content.

His Excellency Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary General of the UAE Media Council, underlined the significance of participation in fostering engagement with industry experts, addressing the challenges faced by publishers, and identifying potential solutions to improve the efficiency of publishing in the UAE.

H.E. Mohammed Al Shehhi said: “The UAE Media Council is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for the nation’s publishing sector. Through its regulatory and legislative functions, the Council facilitates the availability and circulation of various titles in accordance with the media content standards, the provisions of the Media Regulation Law and its executive regulation.”

H.E. added that the Council has facilitated the entry of over 766,000 titles since the beginning of the year and authorised the circulation of over 78,000 titles that comply with the UAE’s approved media content standards.

Furthermore, H.E. said that under the visionary directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah International Book Fair has become a pivotal force in strengthening the UAE’s position as a leading publishing hub in the region.

The event underscores the nation’s steadfast commitment to fostering knowledge, promoting access to enriching cultural content, promoting innovation, and enhancing the entire value chain of the publishing sector. The event has also emerged as a distinguished cultural platform that strengthens the media economy, empowers the publishing sector, and propels it toward new frontiers.

The UAE Media Council’s participation aligns with its strategy to support the publishing sector and create a favourable environment for local and international publishers, thereby strengthening the UAE’s position as a regional and global hub for publishing and media content production.

The Council is committed to fostering a flexible regulatory environment that supports publishers and streamlines their operations by establishing policies that ensure the circulation of content reflecting the society’s values and addressing rapid developments in the sector. Additionally, the Council aims to create opportunities for international collaboration to advance the cultural economy and broaden the scope of publishing in the UAE and the region.

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