Organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the annual fair has seen a notable increase in sales of books and publications in various fields of knowledge and culture, with publishing houses attending the event providing positive feedback on their experience and the significant volume of sales achieved. The event welcomed thousands of students from schools across the country, who brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the different sections of the Fair.
This year’s edition of the fair featured a packed schedule of events that stood out for their innovative and serious content, including a professional program for editors and workshops to hone creative writing skills. A significant increase was noted in the number of publishers attending the event, with 1,130 publishers from over 80 countries offering a wide selection of engaging literature for diverse audiences. More than 650 cultural, artistic and educational events took place throughout the week, featuring renowned international guests such as Nobel Laureates and Booker and Pulitzer Prize winners, alongside intellectual minds and renowned Arab creatives.
ADIBF 2022 has chosen influential Egyptian writer and intellectual Taha Hussein – known as the “Dean of Arabic Literature” – as its “Person of the Year”, highlighting the life and work of the renowned author and critic during the seven-day event, and showcasing his work to a new generation.
The Federal Republic of Germany was welcomed as guest of honour, with the participation of renowned German publishers and a special schedule of activations rolled out throughout the week. The activities highlighted Germany’s literary heritage and celebrated the long tradition of cultural exchange between that country and the United Arab Emirates. He also highlighted the efforts of the UAE in the publishing industry and the conference sector, further promoting the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair on the world stage.
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award also celebrated the winners of its 16e edition at a special ceremony at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, where the famous thinker Dr. Abdullah Al Ghathami was honored, in recognition of his illustrious and pioneering career, where he carried out landmark studies and research projects that greatly contributed to the cultural movement in the region and in the Arab world. Dr. Al Ghathami received the title of “cultural personality of the year”.
31st The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair presented a wide range of diverse events to attendees, including the first International Congress of Arabic Publishing and Creative Industries, which hosted 300 speakers, publishers and scholars from around the world. It also included the launch of the first edition of the “Kanz Al Jeel” award, which aims to honor Nabati poetry, as well as heritage studies and research. With a name inspired by one of the poems written by the late Cheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the prize is awarded to scholars and creators who submit works exploring Nabati poetry and its values; it seeks to strengthen the position of poetry in society as a mirror of the community.
The 19e edition of the Gulf Book Fair Managers Meeting was also held on the sidelines of the event, resulting in a set of new recommendations to improve book fairs in the region and better support the publishing industry Arab.
His Excellency Dr. Ali bin TamimChairman of ALC, said: “Our strategic goals for the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair were to convey a respectable image that befits the leadership position and positive reputation of the UAE and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, especially. We tried to position Abu Dhabi as the destination of choice for the world’s most important cultural events that aim to empower people and promote creativity, knowledge and culture. The Fair embodies the vision of the Arabic Language Center Abu Dhabi and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to support publishers and pave the way for them to return to the market competitively. ADIBF 2022 marked a new beginning where life returns to the world of culture, spotlighting the emirate of Abu Dhabi and its authenticity, identity and great cultural aspirations.
“This year has witnessed many cultural and literary firsts in the history of the exhibition, and we wanted to present events with meaningful content to provide visitors with a positive and well-organized book fair experience that draws attention. on the book sector out of our commitment to follow in the footsteps of the founding father of the United Arab Emirates, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyanwho believed in the importance of the book and its role in the progress and development of societies,” HE bin Tamim added.
A series of diverse lectures, panel discussions, exhibitions and other events took place throughout the fair, including a special evening of poetry with the poet Adonis, while the Nobel laureate in economics 2021, Guido Imbens, gave a lecture on his economic theories.
TokyoBorn artist Fuad Honda, widely recognized as one of the world’s finest Arabic calligraphers, delighted fans with an exhibition and book launch at the fair, which also included panel discussions to showcase winners of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award 2022 and the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, affiliated with the Booker Prize, as well as a series of panels, activities and workshops targeting book lovers and all segments of the community.
For the ADIBF summary video, please click on here.
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SOURCE Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center
