Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) is set to name the Arabic-Islamic philosopher Ibn Rushd as the 'Personality of the Year' at this year’s Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF).

 

The event, which will take place from April 27 to May 3 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), will celebrate influential cultural figures, both international and Arabic.

 

ADIBF will aim to highlight Ibn Rushd’s character in a dedicated pavilion that will showcase his life and legacy. 

 

A part of the exhibition’s cultural programme will also be dedicated to discussing his character, influence and works.

 

Italy, the exhibition’s guest of honour, will also be celebrated through an integrated programme that consists of cultural and professional events and activities for kids. 

 

It will also feature in the Cooking Corner and the Artists Corner, which will shed the light on the cultural dialogue between Emiratis and Italians.

 

Italy will use its dedicated programme to highlight its literature through a series of talks from a group of prominent authors, poets and academics. Italian publishers will also participate at a dedicated pavilion displaying the most important literary and scientific publications.

 

The Italian programme will also consist of a number of lectures and discussions with an array of speakers specialising in the publishing sector and education. 

 

Jumaa Al Qubaisi, executive director, National Library, said: "This edition continues the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was instrumental in launching this exhibition.

 

“This year the event will focus on reading and its importance. It will aim to recap the exhibition’s organisational experience and publishing industry experiences. The exhibition has reached an advanced level of professionalism making it the most ambitious and fastest-growing book fair in the regional publishing industry. Moreover, our honourable guests have become more eager to culturally, professionally and knowledgably interact with us to complement our main objective of establishing Abu Dhabi as an Arabian cultural capital and beacon.” - TradeArabia News Service