From Reem Al-Hajri.
ABU DHABI, 28 May / WAM / Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, in its 31st session, witnesses extensive international participation embodying the country’s vision for the book industry and the promotion of the culture and knowledge movement, reaffirming the Emirates’ position of Abu Dhabi as the book’s world capital.
A number of officials from the foreign pavilions participating in the exhibition confirmed in statements to the Emirates News Agency “WAM” that this prominent event is one of the most prominent Arab exhibitions, especially in its organization, expansion of its territory and openness in the face of the global publishing movement and modern technologies.
They pointed out that the most important feature of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is that it is an open space for dialogue and ideas and for building bridges to global cultural cooperation at the level of translation, writing and publishing. They describe it as a cultural event. , which develops annually, and that every supporter of the exhibition feels the extent of the interest each year to add new at the level of cultural activities, which are targeted at all groups.
Bom Harrington, owner of London-based Peter Harrington, confirmed that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is a cultural beacon and a wonderful event in all its aspects, whether it is about organization, space available or the number of publishers, and pointed out, that the company is committed to participating annually in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and in its session in 2022. The house is the largest collection of works by Richard Francis Burton – the famous British explorer of the Arabian Peninsula, Asia and Africa – and his wife Isabel Lady Burton, in addition to Rothschild’s collection of Burton’s works, which cost £ 2 million.
He added that during his participation in the exhibition, Peter Harrington shows rare manuscripts and publications, as well as letters, presentation copies, engraved and annotated works, drawings, photographs, printed books, brochures and articles amounting to almost 200 printed works, among others. . anecdotes such as the first edition of Burton’s personal Hajj story For Medina and Mecca – Unique fine collection in three volumes published in original light blue gilded fabric.
He revealed that the “Peter Harrington” pavilion includes the Abu Dhabi collection of Peter Harrington in addition to selected publications and manuscripts that revolve around important moments in the history of the Arab Gulf states, in addition to books by authors that provide a vivid picture of life in Middle East in the early and mid twentieth century.
For his part, David Scolari, Development Director of the Planet Foundation for Educational Services for Publishing and Distribution, expressed his delight at participating in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. He pointed out that the foundation’s pavilion presents many new and distinctive publications for children and adults supported by distance learning programs registered by the experts of the British Foundation mother.
He said the foundation is keen on its annual presence in this distinguished forum, which emphasizes the role of culture and the education of both children and adults. as well as offering curricula to qualify students to obtain international certificates from the University of Cambridge.
Mehmet Agiragca, general coordinator of the Istanbul International Arab Book Fair, for his part confirmed that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is one of the fastest growing book fairs in the region as it also allows meeting between the public and international authors. as between Arab and foreign publishers, and its corridors often witness the signing of translation and co-publishing contracts.
He said: “We are eager to participate annually in this distinguished cultural forum, which is home to publishers from more than 80 countries, not only from Arab countries, but also with publishers from around the world. We look forward to the date. Of the exhibition to attend it every year. “
He stressed that his country has ancient cultural ties with the United Arab Emirates, pointing out that his country’s pavilion highlights a number of books and publications by the most prominent authors in poetry, theater, novels, literature and children’s books. It also organizes joint events and seminars and various training workshops.
It is noteworthy that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair represents an opportunity to communicate with hundreds of international publishers, and this year’s edition will host more than a thousand publishers from 80 countries, providing an integrated schedule of events covering more than 400 different activities that meet the public’s hopes, in addition to 500,000 titles and more than 850 guests and speakers.
The total number of participating exhibitors is 1,130, of which 250 are local exhibitors.
The program for the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which is expected to attract more than 150,000 visitors in its current session, includes about 650 sessions, including 120 sessions in the cultural program, 20 sessions in the professional program, more than 280 sessions and workshops in the Children’s Oasis , 60 films in Black Box Cinema and more than 60 art workshops, 20 sessions in the lifestyle corner, 100 book signings and 6 events at various cultural sites and universities.