Open Access publishing activities are often the ‘gateway’ to understanding and engaging with open science policies and practises more generally, and in the Arab world, the Arab Congress for Open Access (ACOA) is a key stakeholder in advancing Open Access activities – supporting bibliodiversity and accessibility amongst the region’s research communities via community building and the annual conference.

The Arab Community of Open Access (ACOA) is a regional network of researchers and professionals dedicated to promoting a culture of openness in science and scholarship across the Arab world. Founded in 2020, ACOA works to advance the principles of Open Access and Open Science through awareness-raising campaigns, training programmes, and strategic collaborations. Its initiatives support the development of Arabic-language resources, regional platforms, and inclusive policies that make scientific knowledge more accessible. Through its annual congress, professional events, and advocacy efforts, ACOA aims to foster a vibrant and interconnected community committed to sharing knowledge for the benefit of all.

We are thrilled that ACOA have agreed to become a member of FORM, and look forward to collaborating with the organisation to support their work in advancing open access across the Arab region, and benefit from their insights.

“We are honored to be part of the FORM network, and I look forward to further collaboration in advancing Open Access and Open Science in the Arab region.” – Dr. Abdelrahman Farrag, Prof. of Library & Information Science