|
The 22nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will open its door to international and local visitors from 28 March 2012. Packed with cultural debates and business panels the six day event promises to offer the attendees the best in literature, professional seminars, illustration as well as activities for the young readers. ADIBF is pleased to have United Kingdom as the Country of Focus for 2012 showcasing the finest in British literature, culture and the publishing sector.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the ADIBF will be a platform for the publishing sector to convene in the capital for six days and exhibit the greatest in book titles, digital content for e-books, apps as well as cultural debates. The ADIBF will host a diverse range of professional and business talks as well as interactive conversations with the authors, poets and illustrators.
To assist the Arab publishers Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage had earlier announced a generous 50% discount for Arab publishers registering for the 2012 fair. As off this week an impressive 21,800 square meters of space has been booked at the ADIBF with numerous exhibitors returning to the fair once again. With a little two over months to go ADIBF is overbooked by 300 square meters and has a waitlist of 800 square meters of exhibition space. Amongst some of the new participations ADIBF will also have exhibitors from Brazil and Taiwan.
His Excellency Mr Jumaa Abdulla Al Qubaisi, Deputy Director General, Director of the National Library and Abu Dhabi International Book Fair said:
“The publishing industry plays a distinctive role in the ADACH’s policies and strategies. This reflects the Authority’s confidence that the position of publishing, in all its forms, is central in the process of cultural development and the revival of knowledge.
The publishing industry is a multi-layered process and it is a critical part of the industry that must not be overlooked if publishing is to prosper. We aim to encourage the publishing industry in a way in which all involved can be have an open-minded approach towards advancement and prosperity displaying the best in literature, e-content for publishing as well as networking opportunities for the industry. ADACH prides itself in creating an environment at the ADIBF where intellectual property rights are safeguarded offering a safe haven for publishing professionals to do business in the region.
“We are looking forward to the 22nd edition of the ADIBF as it takes centre stage in the Arab World to become the most professionally organised and culturally driven event offering an ideal forum for our Arab and international participants to come together.”
New at the fair in 2012
1. A new initiative titled Tawaqi or Signatures whereby readers will have the opportunity to meet their favourite authors. In line with the needs for initiatives and events that revive and encourage reading and in continuation of fostering more publishing, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2012 launched this new initiative which aims to bring the three sides of publishing together; the publisher, writer and the reader, by providing financial and logistic support to host celebrity authors who have new works to participate in the book fair, to sign their books and take part in the Cultural Programme. This platform will offer authors more exposure and events during the fair. ADACH and ADIBF will offer support to publishers by highlighting some of their important authors as well as providing financial assistance for inviting and hosting the author.
2. For the first time this year ADIBF will be launching the prestigious Arab Rights Showcase offering Arab publishers exhibiting at ADIBF the opportunity to present up to 5 Arabic titles (fiction, non-fiction, children’s books etc) to feature in the fair’s new Arab Rights Showcase. This showcase will be featured in the Business & Rights centre at the fair.
The well received and well respected Spotlight on Rights programme will continue in 2012 as well offering the participating publishers the opportunity to apply for rights subsidies worth $1000 per title with the option of applying for up to 10 subsidies.
At the ADIBF exhibitors will have a chance to register and be a part of the International Collective which offers the opportunity for publishers and authors to rent space as per their requirements. Books receive maximum exposure to tens of thousands of attendees over the duration of the event not only because of its prime location, but also because it will feature publishers from around the world, making it a one-stop destination for attendees to see a wide variety of content including varying genres and a multitude of languages.
Continuing on its success for the past two years, the eZone and Service Providers Area will be a part of the ADIBF offering a dedicated exhibition arena at the ADIBF linking publishing and technology. It is home for companies who provide services to the publishing industry (printing, binding, etc) and also a location where providers of digital devices and services can introduce their companies and product lines. After two successful editions, the eZone will again host informational seminars on trends in the industry and will also offer you a platform to present your business.
After its success in 2012 the Illustrators Corner will be a vibrant part of the 2012 book fair once again. Offering a dedicated exhibition area in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) where illustrators, designers and agencies can introduce their work to fellow professionals from the publishing world as well as the general public.
The impressive author line-up at the book fair includes names such as Alia Mambouh, Emily Nasrallah, James J. Zogby; and graphic novelist duo: Khalil and Amir, Rachid Boudjedra, Susan Abulhawa, Youssef Ziedan and more. The ADIBF will also have the winner from International Prize for Arabic Fiction as well as the winners of the prestigious Sheikh Zayed Book Award interacting and speaking at the cultural panels. More names to be announced over the coming weeks.
It is for these reasons that this major cultural event not only continues to enjoy popularity with the local community, but also, increasingly, it is becoming a “must-attend” event for international publishers as they capitalise on the emerging Middle Eastern and North African book markets.
|
New
Review
Abu Dhabi International Airport - 41°F
