Abu Dhabi is gearing up to host the highly anticipated 32nd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF). Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the week-long event promises an immersive experience for book lovers and visitors alike.
Organized by the Abu Dhabi Centre for the Arabic Language, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the fair will take place from May 22 to 28 at the renowned Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. With more than 970 international publishers and exhibitors from over 85 countries, alongside 330 local publishers from the UAE, the exhibition is set to offer an unparalleled showcase of diverse literary works.
The event boasts an impressive lineup of over 2,000 cultural activities, catering to a wide range of interests. Visitors can look forward to over 130 sessions in the cultural program, featuring literary events, poetry readings, and artistic evenings. The professional program offers 46 diverse activities, including dialogues, seminars, and panel discussions, focusing on vital topics such as marketing, translation, partnerships, and content creation within the creative industries.
To enhance the overall experience, the fair extends beyond the exhibition center to various cultural sites in Abu Dhabi, including the Cultural Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, New York University Abu Dhabi, and the world’s largest floating book fair, the Logos Hope ship, anchored at Port Zayed. These locations will host a wide array of cultural, literary, artistic, and musical events, ensuring there is something for everyone.
This year’s edition shines a spotlight on the Arab sociologist, philosopher, historian, and scholar Ibn Khaldun, known for his contributions to the development of human sciences during the Middle Ages. His life, cultural production, and intellectual legacy will be explored through various sessions and workshops.
The fair also embraces technological advancements with the introduction of the “Alpha Corner,” an interactive space that enriches visitors’ knowledge in the fields of space and science. Additionally, the “Podcast from Abu Dhabi” platform offers a unique opportunity for audiovisual media enthusiasts to engage with prominent podcasters in the region and experience the magic of podcasting firsthand.
Furthermore, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair coincides with the prestigious Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA) ceremony. This year, distinguished winners from different categories will be honored, including Literature, Translation, Arab Culture in Other Languages, Arts and Literary Criticism, Young Author, Publishing and Technology, and the Cultural Personality of the Year.
The fair also celebrates the strong participation of Saudi publishers and cultural and educational institutions, emphasizing the historical relations and vibrant cultural exchange between the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
With over 500,000 titles across various genres and languages, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2023 promises to be an unmissable event for literary enthusiasts, providing a platform for cultural exchange, intellectual discourse, and artistic inspiration.