India guest of honour at Abu Dhabi book fair
Country will showcase its languages, creative products and publishing industry at 2019 event
India will be the guest of honour for the 29th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), the Department of Culture and TourismAbu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced.
Set to run from April 24 to 30, 2019, the fair, held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, aims to highlight the UAE’s rich heritage, showcasing its authenticity and modernity, its cultural and literary output and contributions.
India’s participation in the fair is expected to attract significant visitor numbers, with ■ various events and activities held throughout the duration of ADIBF. These activations will cover the fields of literature, culture, art, music, cinema and dance.
India’s participation will also provide a chance for investors wishing to explore and capitalise on opportunities offered by Indian groups and publishers in the GCC.
The Indian Pavilion will also host writers, authors and literary scholars who will serve as ambassadors of literature, ■ publishing and country.
Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said India’s selection as the guest of honour underscores the deep ties between the country and the Arab world and the long-standing UAE-India relationship, which precedes the UAE’s foundation in 1971.
“Inspired initially by trade, these relations expanded to encompass cultural and literary products and scientific and artistic marvels, offered by a art from their country in which 24 official languages and hundreds of dialects coexist,” Ghobash said.
He added that India’s power is not limited to its economy or its universally admired film industry; there is great strength in its cultural output, boasting as it does some 16,000-plus publishers.
“This comes as part of our efforts to accelerate our transformation into a knowledge-based economy and to promote cultural tourism,” Ghobash added.
Abdullah Majed Al Ali, director of ADIBF, said this year’s ADIBF will celebrate India, with its authentic culture, arts, heritage and knowledge-based traditions.
“ADIBF 2019 is expected to be a vibrant cultural event and an art and folklore festival, with India’s presence showcasing its languages, creative products and publishing industry. We are looking forward to welcoming Indian artists, creative minds and renowned influential authors,” Al Ali said.