Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) unveiled the lineup for the 33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF 2024), scheduled from April 29 to May 5, under the theme “Where the World’s Tales Unfold”.
The event, a global platform for publishers and cultural exchange, will witness 1,350 publishers from 90 countries, including 140 publishers participating for the first time.
The fair will also feature 375 local exhibitors, including publishers, distributors, and government entities, who will be presenting their latest releases. ADIBF 2024 will offer the public a range of over 2,000 activities covering various cultural and knowledge fields, according to the organisers.
The announcement came during a press conference at the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Thursday, which was attended by dignitaries including Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC; Dr. Ahmed Bahi El Din, Chairman of the Egyptian General Book Authority; and H.E. Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, ALC Executive Director and Director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, alongside cultural and intellectual figures, and media representatives.
The fair will take place at the ADNEC, along with 12 other locations across the UAE capital, including three shopping centres, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, New York University Abu Dhabi, five schools, Manarat Al Saadiyat, and the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation.
Speaking at the press conference, Dr. Bin Tamim said: “This year’s edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is the most beautiful to date; it underlines the great success the event has had in achieving Abu Dhabi’s strategy, as the capital of the United Arab Emirates, to spearhead efforts to advance the presence of the Arabic language in creative and cultural industries, building on the momentum of its International Congress of Arabic Publishing and Creative Industries and its success in becoming the most influential Arab platform in this key sector.”
“Since its establishment by the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the unwavering and generous support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Fair has set the standards and traditions now followed by book fairs cross the Arab world,” Dr. Bin Tamim added.
“The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has successfully struck balance in its content, format, narrative, and objectives, presenting a premier cultural product that bridges the past and present, addresses the future, and contributes towards ensuring sustainability of knowledge, culture, and related industries,” he noted.
In keeping with tradition, to introduce works to future generations, Egypt is being honoured as the “Guest of Honour”, with Naguib Mahfouz, the renowned Egyptian novelist and Nobel Prize winner, named the “Focus Personality” for his globally recognised literary achievements, notably winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1988.
According to the ALC, the 2024 fair introduces the “Books of the World” programme, which showcases pivotal works that have profoundly influenced human civilisation.
Among the highlighted books this year is “Kalila wa Dimna” by Abdullah Ibn Al Muqaffa, celebrated as a masterpiece of Arabic literature, in conjunction with the art exhibition hosted at the Louvre Abu Dhabi titled “The Art of Fables from Kalila wa Dimna to La Fontaine.”
This year’s fair offers diverse attractions, including Oxford-style debates, interactive games, fantasy experiences, bustling book markets, photography corners, digital publishing squares, and the Arabic Content Forum for children and adolescents.
Additionally, ADIBF serves as a platform for esteemed Arab literary awards, including the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, Kanz Al Jeel Award, and Golden Narrative (Sard Al Thahab) Award, among others.
Al Tunaiji said: “The conference is the first from the Arab world that seeks to facilitate communication between publishing professionals, content creators, and thought leaders. The Abu Dhabi Book Fair transformed two years ago from the traditional concept of a book fair into a larger event, featuring diverse programmes and activities tailored for various audiences. The exhibition offers opportunities to forge new partnerships and identify emerging trends in this market.”
Dr. Bahi El Din said: “The book is not the sole focus of the exhibition. Instead, we will encounter a distinguished gathering of intellectuals, writers, knowledge creators, and artists. We will engage in discussions, dialogues, and learning sessions about culture, civilisation, and the future.”
For the first time, the event will see the participation of Greece, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Pakistan, Cyprus, Mozambique, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Brazil.
