During the 33rd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024, which concluded on May 5, the Ministry of Culture announced its collaboration with four partners specializing in authoring and publishing. These partners include the Emirates Literature Foundation, Kalimat Group, Fikr Foundation, and Magrudy Enterprises LLC. The signing of these agreements aligns with the Ministry’s objectives of empowering creators through the National Grant Program for Culture and Creativity, launched last year. This initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to nurturing its cultural and creative sectors while leveraging investment opportunities for creators, who play a pivotal role in building a sustainable creative economy for future generations.

According to the partnership agreements, four prominent entities in the literature field will work jointly to enhance the effectiveness of the National Grant Program for Culture and Creativity. The collaboration will involve creating opportunities to assist program beneficiaries and promoting their works across local and international platforms within the cultural and creative industries sector. The ultimate goal of this collective effort is to ensure a sustainable impact.

His Excellency Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, said: “Entering into partnership agreements with key institutions in the copyright and publishing sector signifies a crucial effort to exchange experiences and tap into the expertise of specialists in this pivotal domain. Beyond bolstering the sector’s sustainability, these collaborations serve to empower talented writers with groundbreaking ideas and those renowned for their high-quality literary works, thereby fostering greater creativity and innovation. Such initiatives are instrumental in enriching the cultural landscape of the UAE, aligning with its objectives and strategies to disseminate knowledge, promote culture, and empower creators with the necessary tools and resources.”

The agreement with the Emirates Literature Foundation outlines the involvement of creative individuals in cultural programs organized by the Foundation, such as the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. Additionally, it entails arranging creative workshops and guidance sessions aimed at preparing these individuals to launch their own projects. The agreement with Kalimat Group encompasses promoting, empowering, and generating opportunities to assist beneficiaries in showcasing their works across local and international platforms. This involves distributing and publishing the books of the beneficiaries and enhancing the capabilities of creators, thereby amplifying their role in the literary landscape.

The Fikr Foundation will deepen mutual understanding in supporting creators by offering tailored mentoring opportunities that cater to the their needs. This includes refining and developing the skills of aspiring creative individuals in writing and publishing. Furthermore, it will provide 50 annual subscription memberships to the Foundation’s library, enabling beneficiaries to access its programs, initiatives, and other resources.

Magrudy Enterprises’ projects will focus on distributing books by the program’s beneficiaries to Magrudy Library stores and promoting them across Magrudy Library networks, Amazon, and Kinokuniya. This aims to broaden access to books and engage beneficiaries in events, programs, and reading clubs organized by Magrudy Library. Additionally, Magrudy Enterprises is responsible for arranging creative workshops.