The event, to be held from April 25 to May 1 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, will witness the participation of a number of Arab and foreign publishing houses. The book fair will encompass a wide-ranging professional and cultural programme featuring word-class activities and symbols of thought and literature.
For its 28th edition, ADIBF will place special focus on e-publishing, digital content, e-applications, and the latest technologies in the publishing world, providing the ideal space for content developers and service providers to showcase their products and services to the publishing community.
This year’s edition also celebrates Poland as its Guest of Honour, providing an opportunity to explore the culture of European country, which seeks through its participation to introduce Polish literature spanning 1,000 years. These works, authored by Polish writers over the centuries, reflect the stages of prosperity and decline in the ancient history of Poland.
The ADIBF will also provide its visitors with the opportunity to explore the timeless classics of 19th century Polish literature, as well as the recent literary masterpieces written by Polish Nobel laureates, from the epic literature of Henryk Sienkiewicz and the poetry of Czesław Miłosz to the modern works of Wisława Szymborska. The book fair will also be a chance to learn about Polish traditions in the field of children’s literature.
Saif Saeed Gobash, director-general of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Through its programme of seminars and discussions, this edition of ADIBF will reflect the extraordinary vision of the founder of the UAE, Shaikh Zayed, to express his committed work ethic and exceptional contribution to our society. As the nation celebrates the Year of Zayed, we strive to highlight the valuable intellectual legacy of the founder of our country, and his deep belief in the strategic significance of education and culture in human development and in strengthening the country’s international relations.”
The book fair serves as a platform for Arab and international publishers, literary and cultural organisations, bookstores and distributors to discuss new initiatives and copyright. The event will also feature seminars on new sector trends, digital publishing, children’s literature and translations aimed at promoting passion for reading and literary topics.
The fair will also feature a series of panel discussions that bring together exhibitors and visitors. These discussions, run by a selection of publishers and specialists, will explore practical topics directly related to the publishing industry.
The ADIBF guests include prominent novelists, poets, essayists and social leaders from the Middle East, Europe, Asia, North Africa and North America, reflecting the fair’s international character.
About the fair
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is an annual book fair that was launched by Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1981. It was originally called the Islamic Book Fair, which in 1986 became the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. The first edition was held at Qasr Al Hosn’s Cultural Foundation before it was fixed as an annual event in 1993, transferring its venue to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre when the Cultural Foundation’s extensive conservation programme began.
