Abu Dhabi: Over 875 Arab and international publishing houses are participating at the 21st edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (Adibf), which starts tomorrow (Tuesday), organisers said.
The annual event, which is held under the patronage of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, will run from March 15 until 20 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec). It is organized by Kitab, a joint venture between the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (Adach) and the Frankfurt Book Fair.
"During the last five years, Adibf has become an integral part of the Cultural Renaissance of Abu Dhabi, which has put itself at the forefront of the cultural scene in the Gulf and the Middle East," Mohammad Khalaf Al Mazroui, Advisor for Culture and Heritage in the Office of His Highness the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Director of Adach, said.
Over 200,000 visitors are expected to attend this edition of the Adibf, which includes participants representing 58 countries and features over 200 events that range from book signings to professional events to author discussions to events geared towards young children and teenagers. The fair will also launch its Illustrator's Corner with over 20 illustrators from around the region and world taking part in its programme.
"One of the most prominent values that Adibf strives toward is the value of participation…another important part of the activities in this edition is [the] sharing of experiences in publishing…which leads to the establishment of a broader and deeper perspective to the publishing industry," said Juma Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Director, Adibf and Deputy General, National Library, Adach.
Adach will also launch its electronic library ‘Maktabi/My Library' during the event, which will provide access to the National Library as well as translated works through applications on the iPhone, iPad through the iBox package in the Apple Store.
"Adibf has opened its doors to the latest trends, including the growing area of electronic publishing. The e-zone and e-publishing corner marks this transitional moment when more and more people have begun to read on-screen or to embrace the various hand held devices that are permitting the very nature of the book to evolve," said Monika Krauss, General Manager, Kitab.
For further information visit www.adbookfair.com
