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Abu Dhabi is rapidly becoming the hub of the Arab book trade and the point of reference for booksellers, publishers and distributors in the Arabian Peninsula and Gulf region. Taking a cue from the overwhelmingly positive reactions to the professional programme Abu Dhabi International Book Fair introduced a number of new initiatives aimed at encouraging the development of a robust publishing industry in the MENA region.

Indeed, the Kingdom of Bahrain is taking part in the 24th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, scheduled to run until Monday (May5). The Ministry of Culture has lined up a pavilion featuring of collection of recent national publications in a bid to promote Bahraini festivals and cultural events.

Worth to mention that UAE Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan opened the fair.  The book fair will hold a variety of comprehensive workshops and seminars on marketing, distribution and digital publishing to give young writers perspective on the inside operations of the writing industry. International publishing agencies from Sweden and France will attend the book fair to exhibit the works of our generation. Also, young illustrators will have the opportunity to showcase their work for the first time and network with people in the industry. Not only does the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair offer insight into the industry, you will also get to meet successful authors, poets, novelists, and illustrators from Sweden.

Even though the fair is international, it will be celebrating works from the region with its special Arab literature section, dedicated to Al Mutannabi and showcasing some of the most amazing works from Arab writers. World renowned Arab lit experts will also be on scene to share their knowledge.

This years’ edition has attracted 1,125 exhibitors representing 57 countries – up by 100 exhibitors. A total 120 publishers are making their debut at the Abu Dhabi fair – of whom 16 are local publishing companies. More than 500,000 titles in 33 languages encompassing all genres of literature are being showcased. The (ADIBF-2014) which concludes on Monday, posts a 10% increase in the number of participating publishers over last year. Sweden is being celebrated as the guest of honour of the 24th edition of the fair (ADIBF2014) at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Kitab, a joint venture between the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) and the Frankfurt Book Fair, will continue to create synergy in the publishing industry at a regional and international level. In addition to presenting Sweden as the guest country of honour, this year ADIBF will spotlight the works of the tenth century classical Iraqi poet Al Mutannabi.

Indeed, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is flourishing and that is because Abu Dhabi offers the best access to industry professionals and key market players in the Middle East and North Africa.