Abu Tourism and Culture Authority, TCA Abu Dhabi, has yesterday announced that more than 600 influential authors, intellectuals and media experts will be participating in the 25th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, ADIBF 2015, organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from May 7th – 13th.

"ADIBF has made remarkable progress over the years in terms of scale, professional practices in organisation, participation calibre and levels of its discussion panels. ADIBF was established in 1981 under the designation of the Islamic Book Fair, following the directives of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. The launch of the fair at such an early stage of the country's development as a nation sent a compelling message that reflected his future-oriented vision of building the UAE on science, knowledge and education, thereby making the country an oasis for cultural exchange, diversity, tolerance and the unique blend of originality and modernity," said Juma Al Qubaisi, ADIBF Director and Executive Director of the National Library division, TCA Abu Dhabi, at a press conference.

"The vision of the late Sheikh Zayed was exceptionally inspiring in his understanding of culture and his firm belief in knowledge and the boundless abilities of the UAE's citizens and residents alike," he added.

This year, ADIBF marks its Silver Jubilee by celebrating the life of the late Sheikh Zayed as the fair's focus personality and the Republic of Iceland as the Guest of Honour, in addition to a manifold cultural and professional programme that lives up to the expectations ADIBF's audience that has a wide spectrum of interests.

"ADIBF has grown by 20 percent compared to last year, with its total area amounting to 31,962 square metres and covering all of ADNEC's halls and pavilions to accommodate 1,181 publishing houses from 63 countries. ADIBF 2015 will be welcoming 130 new publishers with exhibitors from Croatia, New Zealand, Poland, Colombia and Georgia taking part for the first time. This speaks volumes of the ADIBF's importance for international publishers who look forward to entering new markets that respect publishing traditions and support the book industry," added Al Qubaisi.

Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Executive Director of the National Library Division at TCA Abu Dhabi, pointed out that ADIBF made a quantum leap towards the highest standards of professionalism in the book industry and building a cultural platform that brings writers and publishers together, shortens the distance between authors and readers, builds cultural communication bridges between international publishers and translators and raises the ever-present discussion about the cultural reality in the Arab World and the world in general.

A series of seminars and discussions will be held hosting a number of authors, intellectuals and experts who have made a deep impact in their areas of specialisation, in an effort to enhance constructive dialogue and leave a long-lasting impression as visitors of the region's fastest growing book fair embark on their quest for discovering the next powerful, assiduous work.
Source: WAM