Record participation expected at Abu Dhabi book fair

Sara Elgiziry, 11, browses the many books available at last year’s Abu Dhabi International Book Fair at Adnec. Delores Johnson / The National

ABU DHABI // A record number exhibitors are set to participate in this year’s Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

The annual event will feature 1,260 exhibitors — a 10 per cent increase on last year — from 63 countries as well as 600 authors, 20 artists, and a handful of chefs, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority announced.

The exhibition, to run from April 27 until May 3 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, will feature 500 cultural initiatives including a business club area, creativity corner, show kitchen, black box cinema and the new signatures book signing and Illustrator’s corner areas.

Dr Ali bin Tamim, a member of the authority’s board of directors, said the expanded fair demonstrates a commitment to promoting local and regional culture while furthering the government’s Year of Reading initiative.

“Once again the activities and events at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair reflect local and global cultural and intellectual concerns,” said Dr Tamim, who is also secretary general of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and executive director of the National Library.

Each year the fair focuses on a personality and a country and this year’s choices of Ibn Rushd, the 12th century Arabic-Islamic philosopher, and Italy go hand-in-hand, said Mohamed Al Shehhi, director of research and publication at TCA Abu Dhabi.

“This year through Ibn Rushd as our focus personality and Italy as guest of honour, we combine two parallel lines in the history of humanity that bridge two flourishing Arab and European civilisations,” he said.

Italy’s major role in the fair will be presented through prominent Italian authors, poets, academics, musicians, and cooks.

A leading Italian string quartet are set to kick the event off with a free concert at the Abu Dhabi Theatre on Tuesday evening while renowned writers will hold storytelling and writing workshops.

Rare Arabic volumes and manuscripts from the 14th through 18th centuries will be on display courtesy of the Angelica library in Rome.

Visitors will also get to sample Italian cuisine with well-known chefs creating dishes based on famous Italian novels.

The Italian Ambassador to the UAE, who hails from the Sicilian city of Alcamo, said as his hometown’s etymology, history and heritage is derived from Arabic culture he was doubly thrilled that Italy would be this year’s guest of honour.

“We are proud to pass the renaissance torch to the new capital of renaissance in the Middle East,” said ambassador Liborio Stellino.

The ambassador said the event would display the shared culture of the two countries.

Students visiting the fair will be presented with a backpack containing publications designed to encourage reading.

“We aim to build educated reading generations capable of shaping the future and elevate their minds by strengthening their awareness of works by the most prominent authors, poets, writers and philosophers said Abdullah Al Ali, director of library management at the authority.

The fair will run daily from 9am to 10pm, except on opening day where public entry begins at 11am and Friday from 4pm — 10pm.