ABU DHABI // The influence of 12th century Arabic-Islamic philosopher Ibn Rushd will be the focus of this year’s Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which begins later this month.
Ibn Rushd, also known as Averroes in the West, is regarded as one of the greatest thinkers and scientists in history, excelling in Quranic studies, jurisprudence, theology, mathematics and more.
He will be celebrated with a dedicated pavilion to showcase his life and legacy, while the cultural programme of fair will also educate visitors on his influence and achievements.
The fair, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, will also highlight the works of other influential Arab and international cultural figures. “This year the event will focus on reading and its importance,” said Juma Al Qubaisi, the executive director of the National Library.
Each year the book fair also focuses on a country and this year it will be Italy.
There will be talks about Italian literature with prominent authors, poets and academics, with historian Valerio Massimo Manfredi will discuss storytelling and history writing, while authors Beatrice Masini and Lishiah Troysa will hold a talk on fantasy, illustrations and novels for young people. Cooking sessions, artists workshops and activities for children will be also part of the programme.
Mr Al Qubaisi said the book fair had become the “fastest-growing book fair in the regional publishing industry”.
He said visitors had become eager to “interact with us to complement our main objective of establishing Abu Dhabi as an Arabian cultural capital and beacon”.
The book fair, which is organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, runs from April 27 to May 3.
aahmed@thenational.ae
