The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage (ADACH) on Sunday (March 13, 2011) held a press conference to announce the activities of the 21st Session of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. The Fair will be held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The Fair is organized by Kitab during the period from 15 to 20 March.
The Fair will be attended by 1250 guests, 850 Arab and international publishing houses, and 58 countries from all over the world.
The programme is full, as it includes more than 200 events, in a session considered to be the most important in the modern history of Abu Dhabi.
Present at the conference held at Fairmont Hotel Bab Al Bahr Abu Dhabi was His Excellency Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Advisor for Culture and Heritage in the Court of His Highness the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Director General of ADACH.
Also present at the conference were HE Jum'aa Al Qubaisi, the Deputy Director General of ADACH for the National Library and Director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, and Ms. Monika Krause, the General Manager of Kitab Company, as well as a crowd of journalists and those interested in the affairs of literature and culture.
His Excellency the Advisor for Culture and Heritage in the Court of His Highness the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Director General of ADACH welcomed the attendees and participants in the 21st session of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which is held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, who gives his full support to the progress of the cultural development.
"The Fair has successfully maintained the remarkable progress that has been made by the Government of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. During the past five years the Fair has become an integral part of the 'Cultural Renaissance' of Abu Dhabi, which has put itself at the forefront of the cultural scene in the Gulf and the Middle East. This has been an essential part of the overall strategy adopted by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage as they seek to make this vibrant city a primary meeting place for the development of cultural thinking and progress," Mazrouei said.
"This session of the Fair has eloquently demonstrated to the world the important role played by Abu Dhabi in the cultural arena. Its contributions have been recognised on a global level, and its prominence clearly indicates the importance of the publishing and literary industry in the Arab World today," he added.
The Fair expects to attract 875 Arab and international publishing houses, three times the attendance levels enjoyed in 2006, the year when the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage was founded.
"Publishers are returning again and again to Abu Dhabi. Each year they are joined by more publishers from different specialties, bringing a broader and more comprehensive representation of the publishing industry to the Fair," Mazrouei emphasized.
"Of course, everyone is asking what the publishers are going to offer this year? This year the attending publishers are expected to offer more than half a million new book titles. You can just imagine the impact that this magnitude of fresh material will have on the fields of knowledge, culture and thought. This enthusiastic participation from publishers bears witness to the increasing thirst for knowledge in the Arab World. This has come about after decades, and I might even venture to say centuries, of traditional thinking that considered the acquisition of knowledge to be the preserve of the elite," he added.
The Fair is expected to attract more than 200,000 visitors who will flock to witness this renaissance of literary, cultural and scientific advancement, aimed at both the elite and the common man.
"What does it mean to the Fair to have fifty-eight countries participating in its events? Let me give you a two-pronged answer:
"Firstly, each country is keen to bring its diversity and intellectual and cultural contributions to the attention of people of the Gulf region. These countries, represented by their publishing houses, believe that the Fair has become a forum where intellectual tolerance is practiced, and where bridges are being built between cultures and civilizations.
"Secondly, every intellectual centre in the world wants to register its presence in Abu Dhabi. They want to be able to say that they are taking part in this amazing cultural rainbow, and the books that they bring attest to their commitment to the cause. . The inevitable conclusion is that the list of participating countries can also double as a list of the most culturally and intellectually aware countries in the world," Mazrouei added.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouei pointed out that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is not only a market for the purchase of newly released books, but also an opportunity for publishers and writers to meet. The Fair is a testament to the growing importance of the Arab book market, as well as the importance of copyright and intellectual property awareness.
"For years, book fairs in the Arab World have been limited to the sale and purchase of books. This is not the case for this particular Fair. Cultural communication, disseminated through seminars and meetings held alongside the Fair, are no less important than the purchase and enjoyment of books. During the Fair a wide range of cultural activities geared to different age groups will be taking place. It will also host 196 different events and activities, which will involve 312 guest writers, poets, intellectuals and publishers, including Emiratis, Arabs and foreigners," he highlighted.
His Excellency emphasized that the programmes and activities of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will be rich: "You will see a Fair that is full of cultural and professional programmes aimed at publishers. You will attend educational classes in the Corner of Creativity, specifically aimed at young people. You will savor the flavors of food from around the world in the Cooking Corner. Expect long queues in the area of the Fair dedicated to author's book-signings. You will have the opportunity to witness developments in the battle between traditional books and digital books that can be read on-screen in the Digital Publishing Corner. You will be able to glimpse the latest technology being developed in the world today in the publishing industry.
"We are extremely proud of the forthcoming session of the Fair as it promises to highlight French culture, and provide opportunities to explore the publishing market, examining best practices and trends in the UAE and Korea. "
He also said: "Let me take this opportunity to extend my sincere congratulations to the winners of the fifth session of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. I also wish to congratulate the six candidates who have been chosen for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction.
"My congratulations also go to Kalima, one of ADACH's projects, for its accomplishments and services provided to the Arabic reader through its translation projects. It has increased the number of books translated into Arabic by more than one third, and in less than 4 years has translated around 500 books from various cultures and languages around the world."
His Excellency concluded, saying: "More than 400 media outlets from seventy countries have recorded an interest in covering the activities of the Fair. We expect to witness a great deal of competition between media outlets at the Fair this year, as they all strive to give the best coverage and present their eager audiences with a comprehensive review of this educational event.
"The media continues to be synonymous with the acquisition of culture and knowledge. You have supported many of ADACH's activities over the past few years, presenting hundreds of projects and reporting on the development of culture, heritage and the arts."
Because the Fair is at the crossroads of cultures, it helps initiate exchange of knowledge in the world and provides an unprecedented opportunity to communicate with new markets in the Middle East. Thousands of visitors flock to the event from all over the world.
HE Jum'aa Al Qubaisi, the Deputy Director General of ADACH for the National Library Affairs and Director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, said: "Year after year, session after session, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair emphasizes its advance position among the most prominent book fairs in the world. The Fair establishes a different experience in dealing with the book, the book market and the mechanisms for producing, publishing and distributing the book. It also demonstrates a different role for the book fair itself, shifting it - deservedly - from being a mere space for the sale of books to a platform for thinking, discussion, development and implementation of various aspects of the book industry.
"The Fair draws - in this area - upon the latest international experiences, where the idea of the market - that is, book making in general - does not contradict the cultural feasibility of the book fair and the role it can play in the cultural and intellectual development of individuals and communities."
Al Qubaisi added: "The statistical figures announced by the management of Kitab Company show a steady increase in both the number of Arab and international publishing houses participating in the Fair, and the number of visitors and users of interactive services offered by the exhibition. In addition, one of the most prominent values that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is keen on is the value of participation. Many aspects of it are reflected by the figures and statistics available to the public.
"We mean by participation also that interaction between various international experiences in the field of the book and its industry that would benefit the industry of the Arabic book which remained - for a long time - captive to simplistic mechanisms. These restricted it to the process of selling without processes and mechanisms supposed to be accompanied to promote such a cultural product and elevate it to higher levels. Thus, we find that an important part of the activities of this session is related to sharing experiences in the field of publishing. The professional programme for publishers includes about 30 events in which 60 experts and workers in the field of publishing from various parts of the world will participate. They will display their experiences, put forward their ideas, debate and hold agreements, all of which would serve towards the formation of a broader, deeper view of the publishing industry. This will help facilitate the development and dissemination of the Arabic book, let alone the reception by the Arab market of the foreign book."
He explained that one of the other values that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is keen to show, session after session, is the value of diversity. "This is reflected in various organizational and programme aspects of the Fair. We find - in the first place - a great variety of international publishing houses participating, whether in terms of types and specializations, or languages and cultures. This diversity is also reflected through the targeting, in the programme of events and presentations, of various segments of society, particularly children and young people."
The Creativity Corner for young people will host 25 events, including 41 participants who will provide living experiences to young readers. This would bring them closer to the book and establish between a deeper and more solid and fun link with it at the same time. The interest in children and young people is also reflected in the various publications of ADACH. The current session includes a translation of dozens of titles specifically geared to these age groups. The Fair will see what is called "Classroom," which involves a large number of events and participants.
Perhaps, one of the important additions offered by the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, as HE Jum'aa Al Qubaisi said, is what we called "Digital Publishing Corner". This corner will see seven events that will provide key illuminations on this vital and most recent aspect in the publishing industry, which occupies a leading position day after day.
He added that "coping with these key technological developments in terms of ways to provide, publish and offer the book would expand the book market and the circle of those interested in it especially the youth, hence our interest, at ADACH, to enter this vital area. The current session of the Fair will see the launch of 'My Library', a project of an electronic library achieved in collaboration with Apple, the leading hi-tech firm . This project would make available the publications of the National Library, whether the publishing section at the library or the publications of the Kalima translation project or Qalam, for young Emirati writers through the iPhone and the iPad. These titles will be available to readers via 'IBox' within the 'known' package of Apple Store".
HE Jum'aa Al Qubaisi concluded, saying: "Up to 1250 guests, 850 Arab and international publishing houses, more than 200 events, and 58 participating countries - all these figures and others reflect the extent of development witnessed by the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. But this development does not stop at the limits of quantity, as there is permanent keenness accompanied on the qualitative progress that would achieve the jump we all wish in the book industry. This is in a world where there is an increasing need for dialogue and interaction between cultures and civilizations, and where there are fast-moving developments, which lead the book industry to new horizons. We hope that our region will be an active and productive part in this, not just a receiving and consuming part."
Monika Krause, the General Manager of Kitab, said: "We welcome the participants in this session of the Abu Dhabi International Book. The regional and international cultural role of the city of Abu Dhabi as a pioneering hub for the publishing industry and international cultural events has been growing. The 21st Session of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair hosts distinguished elite of the most important literary and cultural talents at the world level.
"The activities of this year include celebration of French and Korean cultures as well as honouring the winners of each of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction and the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. The candidates for awards will participate in the Fair, along with a large number of international authors and writers. The cooking exhibition will return to participate in this year's edition, with live cooking demonstrations and a series of cookbooks from the world."
Kraus said: "The activities of this session have come to confirm our effort to double the chances of development of the publishing industry in the region and promote the culture of reading in the region. This shows the importance of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair as an integrated event that combines investment opportunities for the owners of publishing houses and their workers on the one hand and the various formations of different types of books and publications which readers look forward to finding in one place on the other.
"The Fair will witness the 'Classroom' conference which will involve academics and workers in education during symposia and specialist workshops. The finals of for the competition for reading performance will be held at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. The event is expected to attract many school children with their families to follow the competition which will choose the first hero of reading performance from the capital schools."
The events of the Fair will culminate in the distinguished attendance of the Kitab bus - the moving National Library, with its wide popularity. The Kitab bus will open its doors to visitors at the Fair hall throughout the six days of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2011.
Kraus concluded, saying: "The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is the largest library a visitor can imagine. In addition, the Fair aims for the actual and intensive dissemination of the reading culture and encouraging reading by turning it into an enjoyable experience that addresses the concerns of readers of different age groups. For this reason, we are delighted to be able to host such a large crowd of authors and innovators who will participate with the visitors of the Fair in the platform of dialogue, the book council, and the book signing corner."
More information here.
The Fair will be attended by 1250 guests, 850 Arab and international publishing houses, and 58 countries from all over the world.
The programme is full, as it includes more than 200 events, in a session considered to be the most important in the modern history of Abu Dhabi.
Present at the conference held at Fairmont Hotel Bab Al Bahr Abu Dhabi was His Excellency Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Advisor for Culture and Heritage in the Court of His Highness the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Director General of ADACH.
Also present at the conference were HE Jum'aa Al Qubaisi, the Deputy Director General of ADACH for the National Library and Director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, and Ms. Monika Krause, the General Manager of Kitab Company, as well as a crowd of journalists and those interested in the affairs of literature and culture.
His Excellency the Advisor for Culture and Heritage in the Court of His Highness the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Director General of ADACH welcomed the attendees and participants in the 21st session of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which is held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, who gives his full support to the progress of the cultural development.
"The Fair has successfully maintained the remarkable progress that has been made by the Government of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. During the past five years the Fair has become an integral part of the 'Cultural Renaissance' of Abu Dhabi, which has put itself at the forefront of the cultural scene in the Gulf and the Middle East. This has been an essential part of the overall strategy adopted by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage as they seek to make this vibrant city a primary meeting place for the development of cultural thinking and progress," Mazrouei said.
"This session of the Fair has eloquently demonstrated to the world the important role played by Abu Dhabi in the cultural arena. Its contributions have been recognised on a global level, and its prominence clearly indicates the importance of the publishing and literary industry in the Arab World today," he added.
The Fair expects to attract 875 Arab and international publishing houses, three times the attendance levels enjoyed in 2006, the year when the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage was founded.
"Publishers are returning again and again to Abu Dhabi. Each year they are joined by more publishers from different specialties, bringing a broader and more comprehensive representation of the publishing industry to the Fair," Mazrouei emphasized.
"Of course, everyone is asking what the publishers are going to offer this year? This year the attending publishers are expected to offer more than half a million new book titles. You can just imagine the impact that this magnitude of fresh material will have on the fields of knowledge, culture and thought. This enthusiastic participation from publishers bears witness to the increasing thirst for knowledge in the Arab World. This has come about after decades, and I might even venture to say centuries, of traditional thinking that considered the acquisition of knowledge to be the preserve of the elite," he added.
The Fair is expected to attract more than 200,000 visitors who will flock to witness this renaissance of literary, cultural and scientific advancement, aimed at both the elite and the common man.
"What does it mean to the Fair to have fifty-eight countries participating in its events? Let me give you a two-pronged answer:
"Firstly, each country is keen to bring its diversity and intellectual and cultural contributions to the attention of people of the Gulf region. These countries, represented by their publishing houses, believe that the Fair has become a forum where intellectual tolerance is practiced, and where bridges are being built between cultures and civilizations.
"Secondly, every intellectual centre in the world wants to register its presence in Abu Dhabi. They want to be able to say that they are taking part in this amazing cultural rainbow, and the books that they bring attest to their commitment to the cause. . The inevitable conclusion is that the list of participating countries can also double as a list of the most culturally and intellectually aware countries in the world," Mazrouei added.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouei pointed out that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is not only a market for the purchase of newly released books, but also an opportunity for publishers and writers to meet. The Fair is a testament to the growing importance of the Arab book market, as well as the importance of copyright and intellectual property awareness.
"For years, book fairs in the Arab World have been limited to the sale and purchase of books. This is not the case for this particular Fair. Cultural communication, disseminated through seminars and meetings held alongside the Fair, are no less important than the purchase and enjoyment of books. During the Fair a wide range of cultural activities geared to different age groups will be taking place. It will also host 196 different events and activities, which will involve 312 guest writers, poets, intellectuals and publishers, including Emiratis, Arabs and foreigners," he highlighted.
His Excellency emphasized that the programmes and activities of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will be rich: "You will see a Fair that is full of cultural and professional programmes aimed at publishers. You will attend educational classes in the Corner of Creativity, specifically aimed at young people. You will savor the flavors of food from around the world in the Cooking Corner. Expect long queues in the area of the Fair dedicated to author's book-signings. You will have the opportunity to witness developments in the battle between traditional books and digital books that can be read on-screen in the Digital Publishing Corner. You will be able to glimpse the latest technology being developed in the world today in the publishing industry.
"We are extremely proud of the forthcoming session of the Fair as it promises to highlight French culture, and provide opportunities to explore the publishing market, examining best practices and trends in the UAE and Korea. "
He also said: "Let me take this opportunity to extend my sincere congratulations to the winners of the fifth session of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. I also wish to congratulate the six candidates who have been chosen for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction.
"My congratulations also go to Kalima, one of ADACH's projects, for its accomplishments and services provided to the Arabic reader through its translation projects. It has increased the number of books translated into Arabic by more than one third, and in less than 4 years has translated around 500 books from various cultures and languages around the world."
His Excellency concluded, saying: "More than 400 media outlets from seventy countries have recorded an interest in covering the activities of the Fair. We expect to witness a great deal of competition between media outlets at the Fair this year, as they all strive to give the best coverage and present their eager audiences with a comprehensive review of this educational event.
"The media continues to be synonymous with the acquisition of culture and knowledge. You have supported many of ADACH's activities over the past few years, presenting hundreds of projects and reporting on the development of culture, heritage and the arts."
Because the Fair is at the crossroads of cultures, it helps initiate exchange of knowledge in the world and provides an unprecedented opportunity to communicate with new markets in the Middle East. Thousands of visitors flock to the event from all over the world.
HE Jum'aa Al Qubaisi, the Deputy Director General of ADACH for the National Library Affairs and Director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, said: "Year after year, session after session, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair emphasizes its advance position among the most prominent book fairs in the world. The Fair establishes a different experience in dealing with the book, the book market and the mechanisms for producing, publishing and distributing the book. It also demonstrates a different role for the book fair itself, shifting it - deservedly - from being a mere space for the sale of books to a platform for thinking, discussion, development and implementation of various aspects of the book industry.
"The Fair draws - in this area - upon the latest international experiences, where the idea of the market - that is, book making in general - does not contradict the cultural feasibility of the book fair and the role it can play in the cultural and intellectual development of individuals and communities."
Al Qubaisi added: "The statistical figures announced by the management of Kitab Company show a steady increase in both the number of Arab and international publishing houses participating in the Fair, and the number of visitors and users of interactive services offered by the exhibition. In addition, one of the most prominent values that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is keen on is the value of participation. Many aspects of it are reflected by the figures and statistics available to the public.
"We mean by participation also that interaction between various international experiences in the field of the book and its industry that would benefit the industry of the Arabic book which remained - for a long time - captive to simplistic mechanisms. These restricted it to the process of selling without processes and mechanisms supposed to be accompanied to promote such a cultural product and elevate it to higher levels. Thus, we find that an important part of the activities of this session is related to sharing experiences in the field of publishing. The professional programme for publishers includes about 30 events in which 60 experts and workers in the field of publishing from various parts of the world will participate. They will display their experiences, put forward their ideas, debate and hold agreements, all of which would serve towards the formation of a broader, deeper view of the publishing industry. This will help facilitate the development and dissemination of the Arabic book, let alone the reception by the Arab market of the foreign book."
He explained that one of the other values that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is keen to show, session after session, is the value of diversity. "This is reflected in various organizational and programme aspects of the Fair. We find - in the first place - a great variety of international publishing houses participating, whether in terms of types and specializations, or languages and cultures. This diversity is also reflected through the targeting, in the programme of events and presentations, of various segments of society, particularly children and young people."
The Creativity Corner for young people will host 25 events, including 41 participants who will provide living experiences to young readers. This would bring them closer to the book and establish between a deeper and more solid and fun link with it at the same time. The interest in children and young people is also reflected in the various publications of ADACH. The current session includes a translation of dozens of titles specifically geared to these age groups. The Fair will see what is called "Classroom," which involves a large number of events and participants.
Perhaps, one of the important additions offered by the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, as HE Jum'aa Al Qubaisi said, is what we called "Digital Publishing Corner". This corner will see seven events that will provide key illuminations on this vital and most recent aspect in the publishing industry, which occupies a leading position day after day.
He added that "coping with these key technological developments in terms of ways to provide, publish and offer the book would expand the book market and the circle of those interested in it especially the youth, hence our interest, at ADACH, to enter this vital area. The current session of the Fair will see the launch of 'My Library', a project of an electronic library achieved in collaboration with Apple, the leading hi-tech firm . This project would make available the publications of the National Library, whether the publishing section at the library or the publications of the Kalima translation project or Qalam, for young Emirati writers through the iPhone and the iPad. These titles will be available to readers via 'IBox' within the 'known' package of Apple Store".
HE Jum'aa Al Qubaisi concluded, saying: "Up to 1250 guests, 850 Arab and international publishing houses, more than 200 events, and 58 participating countries - all these figures and others reflect the extent of development witnessed by the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. But this development does not stop at the limits of quantity, as there is permanent keenness accompanied on the qualitative progress that would achieve the jump we all wish in the book industry. This is in a world where there is an increasing need for dialogue and interaction between cultures and civilizations, and where there are fast-moving developments, which lead the book industry to new horizons. We hope that our region will be an active and productive part in this, not just a receiving and consuming part."
Monika Krause, the General Manager of Kitab, said: "We welcome the participants in this session of the Abu Dhabi International Book. The regional and international cultural role of the city of Abu Dhabi as a pioneering hub for the publishing industry and international cultural events has been growing. The 21st Session of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair hosts distinguished elite of the most important literary and cultural talents at the world level.
"The activities of this year include celebration of French and Korean cultures as well as honouring the winners of each of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction and the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. The candidates for awards will participate in the Fair, along with a large number of international authors and writers. The cooking exhibition will return to participate in this year's edition, with live cooking demonstrations and a series of cookbooks from the world."
Kraus said: "The activities of this session have come to confirm our effort to double the chances of development of the publishing industry in the region and promote the culture of reading in the region. This shows the importance of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair as an integrated event that combines investment opportunities for the owners of publishing houses and their workers on the one hand and the various formations of different types of books and publications which readers look forward to finding in one place on the other.
"The Fair will witness the 'Classroom' conference which will involve academics and workers in education during symposia and specialist workshops. The finals of for the competition for reading performance will be held at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. The event is expected to attract many school children with their families to follow the competition which will choose the first hero of reading performance from the capital schools."
The events of the Fair will culminate in the distinguished attendance of the Kitab bus - the moving National Library, with its wide popularity. The Kitab bus will open its doors to visitors at the Fair hall throughout the six days of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2011.
Kraus concluded, saying: "The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is the largest library a visitor can imagine. In addition, the Fair aims for the actual and intensive dissemination of the reading culture and encouraging reading by turning it into an enjoyable experience that addresses the concerns of readers of different age groups. For this reason, we are delighted to be able to host such a large crowd of authors and innovators who will participate with the visitors of the Fair in the platform of dialogue, the book council, and the book signing corner."
More information here.
