Abu Dhabi: The seven-day Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) starts today (Thursday) with workshops, lectures, poetry recitals and book signings, among a range of other activities, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).
Over 500,000 book titles and 600 authors and intellectuals will be joining the fair alongside an expanded e-publishing section where a variety of e-books will be on display.
A children’s corner will also provide youngsters with edutainment activities while art enthusiasts find a place for them at the Illustrator’s Corner.
In commemoration of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE and the man who started the fair 25 years ago, poems by the former president will be recited, in addition to others in English, Spanish and Icelandic.
Iceland is this year’s guest of honour and the event is taking place across all of Adnec’s halls, meaning that there will be something for everyone at the book fair.
“ADIBF has grown by 20 per cent compared to last year with its total area amounting to 31,962 square metres ... to accommodate 1,181 publishing houses from 63 countries,” Juma Al Qubaisi, ADIBF Director and Executive Director of the National Library Division at the Tourism and Culture Authority Abu Dhabi (TCA-AD), said earlier.
ADIBF is celebrating its silver jubilee this year and is being held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Fair organisers are supporting small Emirati and Arab publishing houses by giving around 30 of them total exemption from participation costs while others receive 50 per cent and 30 per cent discounts off fees.
ADIBF is holding workshops to allow small publishing houses to learn more about development and marketing of their products in order for them to expand and exchange expertise with field professionals.
