Book Fair will focus on Sheikh Zayed’s love of literature

Sheikh Zayed, seen here attending an early book fair in Abu Dhabi.

ABU DHABI // The Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority has announced that Sheikh Zayed will be the focus personality of the 25th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

“The Silver Jubilee could not pass without remembering this great man who ignited the first spark of the UAE’s book industry and urged us to write and promote culture,” said Juma Al Qubaisi, the Abu Dhabi book fair director and executive editor of the National Library.

“It is only natural that the late Sheikh Zayed be commemorated as ADIBF 2015 focus personality,” he said.

The focus personality recognises figures who have had a lasting effect on world culture and last year featured Arab poet Abu at-Tayeb Al Mutanabbi.

Mr Al Qubaisi said honouring the late Sheikh Zayed was an act of pride and an attempt to pay tribute to his legacy. The announcement was warmly received by Emirati intellectuals and literature fans.

Shaikha Al Jaberi, an Emirati author: “I’ve been attending the book fair for many years because I feel that it represents me and a great outlet for me to showcase my books. This year is going to be even more special because of Sheikh Zayed’s link to it.”

“Sheikh Zayed’s selection is a cause of pride to all Emiratis because culture is a big part of this nation’s identity and cultural values,” said Mariam Mohamed Al Rumaithi, the general manager of the Family Development Council, which participates in the fair each year.

“He was a poet himself and had a big effect on cultural family development. The fair provides us with a great avenue to promote our programmes and directly interact with consumers,” she said.

Concerts, art exhibitions, documentary screenings and a poetry evening are among the events scheduled for this year.

The history of the book fair itself and its cultural effect on Abu Dhabi will also be celebrated through a new publication.

Dr Ali bin Tamim, secretary general of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and executive director of the National Library, said: “The Silver Jubilee edition of ADIBF will feature seminars highlighting parts of his biography and achievements, as well as dedicated pavilions and publications that offer glimpses of Sheikh Zayed’s personality as a leader and the founder of the UAE.”

The event was first held in 1981 at the Cultural Foundation and became an annual event in 1993. About 250,000 people visited ADIBF last year and sales grew to Dh35 million.

Last year, it attracted more than 1,125 publishing houses, with more than 100 international authors and intellectuals participating in its seminars and discussions.

“As a researcher, the book fair is an important source for my work and a chance to interact with authors and intellectuals that I don’t get a chance to do throughout the year,” said Saeed Khamis Al Suwaidi, a researcher at the National Archives.

“As Emiratis, books enjoy such a special status in our lives because of Sheikh Zayed’s vision,” Mr Al Qubaisi said.

The fair will run from May 7-13 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.