Sharjah:H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council (SMC), and H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) and Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), were present at the signing of two significant memoranda of understanding. These agreements were established between the Sharjah Media Council and the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone), and between the Emirates Publishers Association and the Sharjah Media Council during the 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair at Expo Centre Sharjah.
According to Emirates News Agency, the memoranda were signed by key figures, including Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority and of SPC Free Zone; Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Media Council; and Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association.
The MoU between the Sharjah Media Council and SPC Free Zone is designed to streamline media licensing and permit procedures while enhancing customer experience. This includes coordinating the issuance, renewal, cancellation, and transfer of licences, exchanging data and reports, and facilitating the collection and transfer of fees by the city according to an agreed mechanism. Notably, companies wholly or partially owned by the Sharjah Book Authority will be exempt from certain fees related to publishing activities.
Additionally, the MoU provides EPA members licensed in the city with a 50 percent discount on media permit renewal fees for book-related activities and exempts them from fees for circulating local publications within the UAE.
The agreement between the Sharjah Media Council and the Emirates Publishers Association focuses on supporting local publishers by reducing costs and facilitating services. This includes fee exemptions for circulating local publications and a 50 percent discount on media permit renewal fees for EPA members licensed in Sharjah. The agreement also aims to automate the application of these benefits and enhance coordination with relevant authorities to streamline procedures and reduce duplication through awareness programs and workshops.
