Russia is guest of honour for next year’s Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
abu dhabi — Russia has been chosen as the guest of honour for the 2020 edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced on Tuesday.
A memorandum was recently signed between the DCT Abu Dhabi and the Federal Agency for Press and Mass Communication of Moscow to make the partnership official. The 30th edition of the fair is set to take place from April 16 to 22 next year.
“Russia is renowned for its influential cultural output, including its world-famous literature, and the country is home to thousands of publishing houses, some of which we are looking forward to welcoming at the 2020 book fair,” said Saif Saeed Ghobash, the undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi. Ghobash signed the memorandum on behalf of the Capital while Vladimir Grigoriev, deputy head of the Federal Agency for Press and Mass Communications, represented Moscow.
“As 2019 has been designated the ‘Year of Tolerance’ by the UAE leadership, we are especially committed this year to celebrating other cultures and strengthening our links with other countries.”
Russia’s participation in the fair is expected to attract a significant number of visitors, as themed events and activities are lined up throughout the weeklong ADIBF. These activations cut across the fields of literature, culture, art, music, cinema and dance.
Abdullah Majed Al Ali, director of the ADIBF, said: “The 30th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will celebrate Russia, with its unique culture, art, heritage and knowledge-based traditions...We are looking forward to welcoming Russian artists, creative minds and renowned influential authors.”
For this year’s Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which takes place from April 24 to 30, India has been chosen as the guest of honour. —