Italy, Ibn Rushd in focus at book fair

Over 1,200 exhibitors and 600 authors to take part in Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

The 26th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) will welcome 1,260 exhibitors and 600 authors from 63 countries, representing one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest cultural events and its prominent role in promoting books and reading in the Arab world.

Announcing the book fair, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority (TCA) officials said Italy would be the guest country.

“This year’s activities and events at the ADIBF reflect local and global cultural and intellectual concerns. Italy has been chosen as this year’s guest of honour due to its importance to the cultural and political landscape in the contemporary world, and the cultural bonds that brought us together centuries ago,” said Dr Ali Bin Tamim, member of the TCA’s board of directors.

“We are working towards a clear vision for the advancement of local culture and the promotion of Arab authors ... for the interaction of Arab culture with other cultures in order to spread tolerance and to build bridges among different races under one roof,” he added.

Bin Tamim also said the famous Andalusian that philosopher

What:

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair April 27 to May 3 Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre 11am-10pm on April 27, 9am-10pm on all other days, 4pm-10pm on Friday

When: Where:

Timings: Admission:

Free Ibn Rushd was chosen as the book fair’s personality of the year.

“Selecting the great philosopher Ibn Rushd as ADIBF’s personality of the year recognises his credentials as a courageous historical thinker and his contribution to creating and spreading the region’s cultural renaissance,” he said.

Italian Ambassador to the UAE Liborio Stellino said that Italian culture would feature prominently at the fair with several different events and activities planned.

“We will open … with a public concert by the Venice Quartette.

“The Italian pavilion will be animated by illustrations of famous Italians, and we will have almost 20 famous Italian authors coming to the fair,” he added.

Mohammad Al Shehi, director of research at TCA, said, “The activities will include a creativity corner for young people, an illustrator’s corner, and our new signatures of books,” he added.