Sharjah:The Emirates Reprographic Rights Association (ERRA) has taken a proactive role in advancing discussions on the creative economy, accessible publishing, and copyright protection during the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2026. The association organized a series of discussions and workshops to address these critical themes.
According to Wam, ERRA hosted a high-level panel discussion titled 'Creative Economy Dialogue' on November 3rd, which brought together officials, policymakers, and experts from the UAE and abroad. The session focused on the impact of technological advancements and artificial intelligence on creative industries, examining the challenges and opportunities they present for copyright protection.
Participants in the panel discussed international best practices for reprographic rights management and collective licensing. They highlighted the importance of fair remuneration for rights holders and the need to combat piracy and unauthorized use of copyrighted works. The discussions also covered the economic contribution of the publishing industry and the significance of sector-specific data in shaping policy and investment decisions.
Representatives from various organizations, including the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO), the UK's Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA), and the Emirates Publishers Association, participated in the event. ERRA also co-organized two specialized workshops on accessible publishing, which took place on November 2nd and 5th in collaboration with Emirati and international organizations.
The first workshop, 'Advancing the Implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty and Born-Accessible Publishing in the Arab Region,' focused on the treaty's implementation, the production of accessible publications from the outset, and enhancing Arabic-language content for eligible beneficiaries. The second workshop, 'Accessible Publishing in Action,' explored emerging technologies such as AI-powered content conversion tools and discussed the Accessible Books Consortium's Global Book Service.
The workshops emphasized the importance of combining technological innovation, legal frameworks, and international cooperation to expand access to knowledge while safeguarding authors' and publishers' rights. ERRA is also engaging with visitors at its stand at Expo Centre Sharjah, where it demonstrates its services and promotes lawful use of copyrighted works.
Mohammed bin Dukhain Al Matroushi, Chairman of ERRA's Board of Directors, stressed that expanding access to knowledge and protecting rights are complementary pillars of a sustainable publishing industry. He highlighted the need for clear frameworks for the lawful use of copyrighted works and balanced licensing practices.
Majd Al Shehhi, Director of ERRA, noted that the association's program aims to translate professional dialogue into opportunities for collaboration and improved practices, supporting wider access to knowledge while safeguarding creators' rights. Through its participation, ERRA seeks to strengthen copyright protection, expand partnerships, and promote lawful content use, contributing to a creative economy based on innovation, sustainability, and respect for intellectual property.