Abu Dhabi International Book Fair from April 29
Abudhabi:theabudhabiarabiclanguagecentre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, has announced details of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) 2024.
The event will commence with its professional programme, featuring the highly anticipated third edition of the International Congress of Arabic Publishing and Creative Industries on 28th April.
The 33rd edition of the Fair will open its doors the following day and run until 5th May at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), with the Arab Republic of Egypt chosen as the Guest of Honour.
ALC has also announced the selection of the Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz as the “Focus Personality” for the Book Fair.
In 1988, Mahfouz became the first Arab author to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, with his works translated into numerous languages.
Egypt’s rich literary tradition, iconic writers, and profound influence on Arab thought and creativity make it a fiting choice to be celebrated as the guest of honour at this prestigious event.
Naguibmahfouz,thelateegyptianliteraryfigure, has been chosen as the Focus Personality for this year’s edition. His exceptional literary legacy leaves a profound imprint on the Arab literary landscape.
As the first Arab writer to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1988, his works have immensely contributed to enriching the Arab literary heritage.
The translations of his novels into different languages have played a pivotal role in drawing international atention to the world of Arabic fiction.
Among the innovative programmes introduced by ALC at ADIBF 2024 is the “Books of the World” programme.
Thisprogrammespotlightsoutstandingworkthat has shaped human civilisation over the years and has influenced cultures in unique ways.
Thisyear’sbookoftheworldis“kalilaanddimna” by Abdullah Ibn Al Muqaffa.
Inparalleltothebookfair,anengagingartexhibition entitled “From Kalila wa Dimna to La Fontaine: Travelling through Fables” will be hosted by Louvre Abu Dhabi, complementing this literary exploration.
Dr Ali Bin Tamim, Chairman of ALC, underlined the Centre’s commitment to celebrating influential cultural icons from the Arab world globally.
These cultural icons have been instrumental in shaping ideas among the new generation and have played a key role in enhancing the status of the Arabic language.
He said, “The Fair continues to enrich the cultural landscape of the Arab world with its inspiring initiatives.egyptspecificallyhasbeenapioneerincreative work on various fronts including literary, artistic, intellectual, and cognitive. Naguib Mahfouz is the dean of Arab novelists, a figure who placed Arab literature and the distinctive aspects of Egyptian local culture on a global plaform.”