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28 March 2024

Abu Dhabi Int'l book fair set for record-breaking showing

Published
By Wam

The 23rd annual Abu Dhabi International Book Fair [ADIBF] 2013 organised under the patronage of General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, is set to be a record breaking event with exhibition space increasing by 15 per cent as the popularity of this prestigious book fair continues to grow year on year.

A major project of Abu Dhabi Tourism &Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), this year the fair, which will take place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from April 24 to 29, will bring together hundreds of exhibitors from over 50 countries showcasing over 500,000 titles offering a mix of cultural, intellectual and commercial books for visitors to enjoy in over 30 different languages.

A number of internationally acclaimed and award-winning authors have already confirmed their participation including Ahlam Mosteghanimi, Kenize Mourad, Ibrahim Eissa, as well as esteemed literary writers such as Nihad Sirees, Jim Al-Khalili, Rachid Boudjedra, Youssef Rakha, Jacques Ferrandez, Jerome Ferrari, Frank Klotgen, Andrey Kurkov and Amara Lakhous, among others.

Widely recognised as the region's most professional book fair, ADIBF has also become one of its fastest growing publishing events - a testament to the commitment of the organisers and the Abu Dhabi Government to transform the emirate into a hub for literary creativity and a centre of publishing excellence.

The fair's growth has seen it expand into a fifth exhibition hall for the first time with a much stronger focus on digital publishing with the eZone doubling in size from 2012, along with a richer and extensive cultural programme.

Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism '&'Culture Authority, said: "This year's growth in the fair reinforces the reputation and development of Abu Dhabi as a global centre for the arts and culture. ADIBF 2013 is an outstanding platform for Arab and international publishers and renowned authors to congregate and display their talents and capabilities to a highly educated and receptive audience. Visitors will have rare opportunities to interact closely with reputed authors as well as fresh creative talent and publications from across the world.

"The event's popularity and reputation is demonstrated by the considerable waiting list of exhibitors eager to participate. We are experiencing a renaissance in publishing and a growth in Arab authors; and are at the forefront of this growth while nurturing demand passion for literature and publishing in all its forms - both traditional and electronic." ADIBF's commitment to young readers has been further strengthened this year, with the creation of a Young Readers' Programme as part of the Cultural Programme that will support the existing Creativity Corner for young visitors, allowing them to experience the joy of reading and writing through a number of ‘edutainment' workshops and activities.

Digital publishing is critical to the industry's development and to keep pace with cutting edge publishing trends. This has been endorsed at the eZone with growing interest from digital book publishers and trend setters from the ePublishing industry - reflecting the growth of digital publishing and the increased popularity of eBooks. Once again, the eZone will feature seminars on cutting edge issues at the crossroads of publishing and technology. This year the eZone will host companies from US, Germany, Spain, Greece the UAE, Jordan and India.

ADIBF's Professional Programme ensures there is a platform for exhibitors to establish contact with publishers in the MENA region and beyond and gives valuable guidance on industry trends, digital publishing in the Arab World, start-ups in the publishing sector, children's book publishing, the use of illustrations and translation rights among other issues.

Jumaa Abdulla Al-Qubaisi, Director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, said: "The demand from exhibitors has been phenomenal and reinforces once again how important this event is and the role it plays in the region. For six days we celebrate the book in all its forms and formats. The ADIBF has become a strong magnet for everyone associated with the industry and has become the hub for business and culture from across the region and beyond. Over the years, the book fair has played a pivotal role in inculcating the rich culture of reading across the region, thus contributing immensely to the growth of the regional publishing industry." Apart from other attractions, the ADIBF will continue its support for the Spotlight on Rights initiative which is now in its fifth year. The initiative offers exhibitors and registered trade visitors the opportunity to apply for subsidies worth $1000 per title towards licensing rights to and from the Arabic language. At the 2012 book fair 270 applications were received from publishers under the Spotlight of Rights scheme.

One of ADIBF's many key attractions is the return of the ‘Illustrators' Corner'; one of the fair's most popular and dynamic venues and the hub for visual content. The Illustrators' Corner is a platform for local and international illustrators to showcase their talent and seek advice from industry experts. The Illustrators' Corner has confirmed attendance from artists from Spain, Switzerland, UAE, Syria and Malaysia.

The fair will open daily from 9am to 10pm; except for Friday when it will be open from 4pm to 10pm. Entrance is free.