Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, has inaugurated the 33rd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF).
Organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, ADIBF 2024 runs from April 29 to May 5 at ADNEC Abu Dhabi. The fair serves as a platform for publishers to explore the latest trends and developments in the publishing sector, providing an ideal opportunity for networking and establishing partnerships. ADIBF, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s prominent global role in publishing and promoting Arab culture, also serves as a premier destination for culture enthusiasts and readers to discover new publications.
During the opening, H.H. Sheikh Theyab toured the fair, which hosts approximately 1,350 publishing houses from 90 countries, embodying the fair’s theme “Where the World’s Tales Unfold”. He was briefed on the most prominent publications of the local, Arab, and international publishing houses, and engaged with exhibitors to gauge their opinions and expectations for future editions of the event.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab was accompanied by esteemed dignitaries including H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; H.E. Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture and Youth; Her Excellency Sarah Al Musallam, Minister of State for Early Education and Chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge; H.E. Neveen El Kilany, Minister of Culture in Egypt; and H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
Also in attendance were H.E. Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre; H.E. Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the Arabic Language Centre and Director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair; H.E. Sharif Mahmoud Said Eissa, Ambassador of Egypt to the UAE; and Ayesha Eid Al Mazrouei, Director of Book Fairs and Events Department at ALC.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab toured several pavilions, including the Guest of Honour pavilion, which this year celebrates Egypt. He also visited the pavilion honouring renowned Egyptian author and novelist Naguib Mahfouz, this year’s Focus Personality. His tour included the Book of the World corner, which was inaugurated this year for the first time with “Kalila wa Dimna” by Abdullah Ibn Al Muqaffa.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab explored a diverse array of activities and events hosted by ADIBF, including a platform for the Saudi “podcast Thmanyah”, which is set to feature interviews and discussions with writers. Additionally, he visited the Arts Corner and a special section dedicated to a comprehensive cultural programme for children and youth. The tour also encompassed the “Azbakeya Wall” platform, reminiscent of the historic Azbakeya Wall Book Market in Egypt, marking the inaugural activity under the Popular Book Markets programme introduced to the ADIBF agenda.
The Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation is participating in the fair with an engaging packed programme of events at its pavilion in the exhibition’s ninth hall, where the Foundation organises several book signing ceremonies featuring its publications and distinguished works in the realm of culture. Among these are “The Question of Ethics in the Modernity Project” by Dr. Ahmed Zayed, and book titled “Hamad Khalifa Bu Shehab: His Biography and Legacy” by Mohamed Nour El-Din, and “War in the Land of Egypt” by novelist Yusuf Al Qa’id.
The programme will host a seminar by novelist Jalal Barjas titled “Paths of Memory, Between Writing, Travel, and Literary Biography. During the seminar, Jalal Barjas will sign his literary biography book “Nasheej Al -Doduk” (The Duduk’s Whimper). The programme also features the signing of “We Leave Our Shadows at the Doorstep” by poet Hassan Al Najjar. The Foundation will conclude its participation with poetry readings by poet Sawsan Dahneem, accompanied by the signing ceremony of her book “In the Interpretation of the Negation of Something.”
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair stands as a global cultural extravaganza celebrating both print and digital content, providing an opportunity for publishers worldwide to explore the latest offerings and outputs in the global publishing landscape, hold meetings, foster connections and build partnerships. ADIBF also serves as a leading platform to support the development and growth of the publishing sector, while championing the Arabic’s role as a language of culture, science and creativity on the world stage.
ADIBF has strengthened its competitiveness and global standing that reflect the Capital’s position and leading role in supporting Arab culture and the growth of the publishing sector in the world. This year’s edition features the participation of 1,350 exhibitors from 90 countries, including 145 new publishing houses, in addition to the participation of 12 nations making their debut appearance, namely, Greece, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Pakistan, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Mozambique, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Indonesia.
The ADIBF’s comprehensive professional and cultural programme combines regional publishing sectors and creative industries, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s role in expanding the reach of cultural content by supporting reading, audio-visual and interactive offering, and reinforcing its position as a hub for Arabic publishing and global creative content.
ADIBF’s rich programme includes innovative literary and artistic workshops, along with live musical performances, film screenings, and photo exhibitions depicting the journey of various creative minds, telling their life stories and showcasing their major achievements. It also features “World’s Cuisine” presentations that shed light on world cultures and the most popular dishes in their traditional cuisines. The fair also hosts activities designed for children and youth, as part of its commitment to expanding its events, activities and options that suit the tastes of various spectrums.
ADIBF 2024 introduces the “Book of the World” corner, illuminating a book that has influenced world literature over the years and across various cultures. The programme has selected Kalila wa Dimna, by Abdullah Ibn Al Muqaffa, to feature in its inaugural edition, coinciding with the art exhibition organised by Louvre Abu Dhabi entitled From Kalīla wa Dimna to La Fontaine: Travelling Through Fables.
The fair celebrates Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz as this year’s Focus Personality, in appreciation of his significant role in promoting Arab culture around the world. It also celebrates Egypt as its Guest of Honour, in recognition of its prestigious cultural role and influence on Arab thought and knowledge. Egypt is participating in the fair with a rich cultural and professional programme that mirrors its cultural role in the Arab world and the publishing industry.
ADIBF 2024 features exhibitions on cultures from all around the world with pavilions bringing together publishers from various countries, showcasing their cultures as part of the Fair’s cultural and professional programmes.
