28th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair To Host 1,350 Exhibitors From 63 Countries

Held 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, the 28th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, ADIBF, will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ADNEC, from 25th April to 1st May, 2018.

This was announced at a press conference held at Manarat Al Saadiyat in the presence of Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director-General of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, DCT Abu Dhabi, Robert Rostek, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, Abdulla Majid Al Ali, Director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, alongside a number of distinguished intellectuals, writers and journalists.

ADIBF will host 1,350 exhibitors from 63 countries covering 35,000 square metres at ADNEC while exhibiting more than 500,000 books in more than 35 languages from around the world. With an extensive cultural public programme, over 830 seminars, workshops and more will be held with authors and publishing experts from around the globe.

Celebrating Poland as the Country of Honour, ADIBF will introduce audiences to the 1,000-year history of Polish literature. These works, authored by Polish writers over the centuries, will open a platform for all to explore the cultural wealth of Poland.

The Department of Culture and Tourism’s Kalima Translation Project will present 25 new books of literature, translated from three international languages: French, English and German.

Additionally and for the first time ever, DCT Abu Dhabi will offer visitors to ADIBF an “electronic card” that they can charge with credit to purchase books, for a seamless experience without the need to carry cash.

Saif Ghobash said, “Since the first edition of the book fair held in 1981 at the Cultural Foundation under the guidance of the late Sheikh Zayed, our nation has followed his vision to develop a culture that recognises the importance of the consumption and production of literary works. The great strides made in the development of a publishing industry in the UAE has resulted in the creation of a literary tradition that champions the achievements of the past and combines them with modern literary trends. This year’s edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair brings together a stellar selection of authors, thought leaders, academics, poets, publishers and more.

“It is with great honour that we join the nation in celebrating the Year of Zayed and pay homage to our founding father’s exceptional spirit and the vision he had for our country, the cultural landscape in the region, and the wheels that he set in motion to enable generations of Emiratis to live a life full of learning.”

Ambassador Rostek said, “Both 100th anniversaries are of huge importance to our past, our present and future generations in both countries. To be the Guest of Honour of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2018 is a great privilege but being the Guest of Honour in the Year of Zayed makes this role even more special and more important.

“I would like to underline that it is for the very first time that the Republic of Poland is in such a distinctive role in the whole Arab world. It is a priceless occasion not only to promote Poland through its culture, literature, travel destination and tradition but I sincerely hope that this venue will mark a new beginning of working contacts, which will result in common cultural projects. Without any doubt, there is not enough mutual knowledge about our two countries and their traditions in our societies, and I am convinced that this edition of the Book Fair will build tangible bridges that will change this situation.”

Al Ali said, “The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has been integral in the accomplishments of the Arab publishing industry over the last decades with a focus on strategy, the promotion of Arab literature, the sharing of knowledge from different civilisations and most importantly, initiating and encouraging cultural dialogue. In accordance with the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, literature is a vital part of society and it is with great pride and honour that we have seen the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair grow globally each year. The fair annually positions Abu Dhabi’s fundamental cultural role in the publishing and literary industry worldwide and continues to act as a beacon of communication between creatives, authors, publishers, journalists and a forum for those interested in books and reading.