UAE Hosts the 33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair till May 5
The 33rd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair took place under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the State. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office for Development Affairs and Families of Martyrs, inaugurated the 33rd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
Organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, the fair runs until May 5 under the theme "Here, the stories of the world are told."
Spanning seven days, the fair serves as a hub for publishing professionals to explore the latest trends and developments in the industry, fostering opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange. It serves as a premier destination for culture enthusiasts and avid readers to discover noteworthy new publications, underscoring Abu Dhabi's prominent global standing in promoting Arab culture.
During the opening ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan toured the exhibition, featuring approximately 1,350 publishing houses from 90 nations, echoing the fair's theme of global storytelling. His Highness engaged with exhibitors to understand their aspirations for future editions, and received a briefing on the standout works from local and Arab publishers, as well as international contributions.
Among the highlights of his visit were pavilions such as the Arab Republic of Egypt, honored as the guest of honor for this session, and the pavilion dedicated to the renowned writer Naguib Mahfouz, central to the event's focus.
The fair introduced the "World Book" section this year, spotlighting literary works like "Kalila and Dimna" by Abdullah bin Al-Muqaffa, alongside various events and activities. These include the "Podcast Eight" platform from Saudi Arabia, featuring interviews with authors, arts exhibitions, and cultural programs tailored for children and youth. Notably, the "Azbakeya Wall" platform recreates the ambiance of the Azbakeya market in Egypt, a nod to historic book markets.
Accompanying His Highness during the opening were dignitaries such as Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture and Youth, among others.
The fair stands as a global cultural celebration, showcasing printed and digital content while fostering collaboration and growth within the publishing sector. With a rich program encompassing discussion sessions, workshops, musical performances, and culinary exhibitions, it caters to diverse audiences, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and cultural enrichment.
