The 23rd annual Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) 2013, to be held next month, is set to be a record-breaking event with exhibition space increasing by 15 per cent.

 

The fair is being organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces,

 

A major project of Abu Dhabi Tourism &Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), the fair will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) from April 24 to 29. It  will bring together hundreds of exhibitors from over 50 countries showcasing over 500,000 titles offering a mix of cultural, intellectual and commercial books for visitors to enjoy in over 30 different languages.

 

A number of internationally acclaimed and award-winning authors have already confirmed their participation including Ahlam Mosteghanimi, Kenizé Mourad, Ibrahim Eissa, as well as esteemed literary writers such as Nihad Sirees, Jim Al-Khalili, Rachid Boudjedra, Youssef Rakha, Jacques Ferrandez, Jérôme Ferrari, Frank Klötgen, Andrey Kurkov and Amara Lakhous, among others. 

 

Widely recognised as the region’s most professional book fair, ADIBF has also become one of its fastest growing publishing events, the statement said.

 

The fair’s growth has seen it expand into a fifth exhibition hall for the first time with a much stronger focus on digital publishing with the eZone doubling in size from 2012, along with a richer and extensive cultural programme.

 

Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general, Abu Dhabi Tourism &Culture Authority, said: “This year’s growth in the fair reinforces the reputation and development of Abu Dhabi as a global centre for the arts and culture. ADIBF 2013 is an outstanding platform for Arab and international publishers and renowned authors to congregate and display their talents and capabilities to a highly educated and receptive audience. Visitors will have rare opportunities to interact closely with reputed authors as well as fresh creative talent and publications from across the world."

 

One of ADIBF’s many key attractions is the return of the ‘Illustrators’ Corner’, one of the fair’s most popular and dynamic venues and the hub for visual content. The Illustrators’ Corner is a platform for local and international illustrators to showcase their talent and seek advice from industry experts. It has confirmed attendance from artists from Spain, Switzerland, UAE, Syria and Malaysia.

 

The fair will open daily from 9 am to 10 pm, except for Friday when it will be open from 4 pm to 10 pm. Entrance is free. - TradeArabia News Service