The opening session of the conference titled “Digitizing Creativity: The Beginning of a New Era” emphasized the need to transition from digital consumption to knowledge production. Participants discussed the role of artificial intelligence as a tool to support publishing and protect authors’ rights, highlighting the significance of developing advanced digital platforms and urging the community to move beyond traditional fears regarding digitization.
They considered that creative industries have become a fundamental pillar for the future economy. The discussions acknowledged that the UAE’s experience serves as a leading regional model for intellectual property protection and fostering a digital environment that promotes creativity.
This was addressed during the inaugural session of the “Digitizing Creativity: The Beginning of a New Era” conference, which is part of the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, head of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center, welcomed the attendees and expressed hopes that the conference would unify efforts and launch initiatives aimed at serving Arab creativity.
The session featured contributions from Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Maeni, Assistant Undersecretary for Intellectual Property at the Ministry of Economy; Javantza Jobava, President of the International Publishers Association; Mohammad Rashad, President of the Arab Publishers Association; and Dimitar Ganchev, Deputy Director and Senior Manager for Copyright and Creative Industries at the World Intellectual Property Organization. The session was moderated by Ameera Ali Boukdara, Chairwoman of the Emirates Publishers Association.
Digitalization Efforts
During his remarks, Dr. Ali Bin Tamim stated, “We are at a pivotal moment in Arabic culture. Digitization is no longer an option; it has become a civilizational necessity. Our mission at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center is to commit efforts to support digital transformation, not just through consumption, but by fostering production and launching innovative initiatives.”
He continued, “We launched a dedicated platform during the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair to support creativity using artificial intelligence. We recognize the challenges ahead and are continuously developing projects that support the Arabic language and creativity in the new digital landscape. Additionally, we believe that the digital scene requires collective efforts, both at the institutional level and among individuals. We rely on creatives and publishers in the Arab world to be part of this transformation rather than standing hesitantly by.”
He emphasized, “Technology offers tremendous opportunities. Artificial intelligence can become a partner in protecting creativity, publishing, and expanding it into new horizons. The biggest challenge lies not just in the tools, but also in reshaping our mentality towards culture and cultural production. We need a new awareness that believes the future belongs to those who possess the tools of the digital age while preserving the essence of authentic Arab creativity.”
Enhancing Creative Industries
Abdul Rahman Al-Maeni discussed the importance of intellectual property in enhancing the digital economy, stating, “Protecting creativity has always been at the heart of the UAE’s interests. Previously, documentation relied on traditional paper-based processes, where copies of creative works were deposited in official repositories for resolving any disputes later.”
He added, “Today, living within the digital revolution necessitates that we provide digital solutions commensurate with its speed and accuracy. Therefore, we have launched a smart electronic platform at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair that allows any creative author to document their work and obtain a verified certificate in less than three hours.”
Al-Maeni concluded, “Creative industries have become an essential pillar of the new UAE economy. We are not just talking about preserving rights; we are also discussing empowering creators and stimulating the creative economy as a vital part of diversifying the national income sources and building a sustainable knowledge economy.”
The Benefits of Artificial Intelligence
Javantza Jobava emphasized the significant transformations occurring in the publishing world due to digital advancements. She noted that many publishers are diligently adapting to these changes, although the journey is not without challenges. “Artificial intelligence presents invaluable opportunities for publishers. We can leverage it for smart marketing, refining distribution strategies, understanding reader patterns, and even combating piracy.”
She remarked, “While AI may evoke concerns, it is indeed a strategic partner that provides publishers with robust tools to reach new markets and diversify income sources. Nevertheless, tangible challenges remain, especially in markets struggling with piracy and weak rights protections. Thus, we need to enhance legal and technical infrastructures to ensure that digitization serves creativity rather than jeopardizing it.”
Strengthening Intellectual Property
Regarding the future of digital publishing in Arab nations, Mohammad Rashad stated, “The publishing landscape in the Arab world requires courage and boldness. While many Arab countries face similar digital challenges, solutions vary based on willingness and openness to change.”
He continued, “We cannot discuss advancements in the publishing industry without addressing digital innovation. Yet, many Arab publishers hesitate to embrace this domain due to legitimate concerns about piracy and weak legislation. At the Arab Publishers Association, we have organized numerous awareness seminars, including over 12 workshops in collaboration with the Frankfurt Fair, and are diligently working to encourage Arab publishers to overcome these fears and capitalize on new opportunities.”
He added, “The UAE today stands as an advanced model in protecting authors’ rights, followed closely by Saudi Arabia, which we hope will expand to encompass all Arab countries.”
The Future of Publishing Economy
Dimitar Ganchev stated that “Creative economies have become part of our daily lives, with creativity evolving from an optional aspect to an economic and cultural necessity. Publishing is a principal sector within these economies, as it enhances culture, develops the arts, and supports identity.”
He further remarked, “We must remember that digitization is not an innovation in itself; true innovation always lies with humanity and its ability to transform digital tools into platforms that serve authentic creativity. Every industrial revolution has taught us that technologies alone do not create change; it is people who convert these tools into genuine success stories. Therefore, humanity should remain at the center of every digital process, and we must continually reaffirm that technology is a means, not an end.”