Glimpses of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2018

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) 2018 was held from April 25-May 1, 2018 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in Abu Dhabi (UAE), hosting 1,350 exhibitors from 63 countries. The 28th edition of the fair,had Poland as the Country of Honour. More than 500,000 books in 35 languages from all over the world were on display at the fair. The fair also featured 800 events across a wide variety of activities, ranging from seminars and panel discussions to theater, dance, cooking shows and much more.

Department of Culture and Tourism’s Kalima Translation Project (UAE) launched 25 new publications translated from three international languages (French, English and Germany).

Poland: The Guest of Honour country

This year, Poland is celebrating its 100th year of independence. Over 1,000 years of Polish literature were showcased at ADIBF, offering visitors a historical lesson in the long literary heritage of the nation. More than 20 Polish publishers, besides translators, chefs and authors, were present at the fair. A history of Muslims in Poland was given at the Polish Pavilion, allowing visitors an opportunity to learn about how they lived and influenced native Polish culture, and how they were influenced in turn.

Arab World Institute named Cultural Personality of the Year 2018

Sheikh Zayed Book Award announced that ‘L’Institut du Monde Arabe’ (IMA), or the ‘Arab World Institute’ is the winner of the 12th Edition’s Cultural Personality of the Year Title. The honorary award recognises prominent figures and entities for their unique contributions to the advancement of the Arab culture, and for works that portray tolerance and promote peaceful coexistence.

The Third Meeting of Directors of Arab Book Fairs

The Third Meeting of Directors of Arab Book Fair explored latest developments in the publishing industry, challenges and issues faced by Arab publishers, and the need to introduce new mechanisms and systems to promote the advancement of the industry in the region.

6th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Translation Conference under the slogan “Scientific Translation and Knowledge Development”

The sixth edition of the Abu Dhabi International Translation Conference, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), under the slogan “Scientific Translation and Knowledge Development,” opened with remarks by Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, who said, “Translation has never been more important than today, at a time when it can promote cultural understanding, tolerance and peace. The translation of significant philosophical, academic and cultural works ensures the continuous development of cultural dialogue and exchange.”

There were many interesting talk sessions held in this conference.

First-ever ‘Future Book Forum’

Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi in partnership with Canon, the leader in imaging solutions, hosted the first ever ‘Future Book Forum’ in the Middle East.The Forum, which took place on April 28th during the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, gathered more than 60 top publishers from the Middle East region, and attendees discussed key challenges faced by the printing and publishing industry, potential solutions on how new technologies can help improve profitability, and identifying new opportunities for growth.

By analysing the findings at the Forum, Canon is defining a better future for the book, making them even more personal, intelligent and useful – the “Smart Book”.The five-year partnership agreement with Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to hold the Future Book Forum is set to support the printing and publishing industry in the Middle East by developing insights on the latest trends that can help businesses by reducing costs, increasing sales and profitability.

During the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, Canon showcased a live demonstration of a digital book production workflow; helping publishers better understand the important role technology plays in creating opportunities and overcoming current industry challenges.The workflow demonstration was showcased through Canon imagePRESS Color, Oce varioPRINT B&W, book binding, and Web-to-Print Technologies. Canon hosted Jamalon, an online bookstore operated by Canon’s technology and Art Plus, showcasing an online photobook printing workflow.

Sheikh Zayed Book Award’s Grand Ceremony

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the 12th Sheikh Zayed Book Award were held at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi.

The awards included: Literature Award to the Syrian novelist Khalil Sweileh; Children’s Literature Award to Emirati author Hessa Al Muhairi; Young Author Award to the Egyptian writer Ahmad Al Qarmalawi; Literary and Arts Criticism Award to the Moroccan academic scholar Mohammad Mishbal; Translation Award to Naji Al ‘Awlani from Tunisia; Arabic Culture in Other languages Award to the German professor Dag Nikolaus Hasse; Publishing and Technology Award to Dar Al-Tanweer; and Cultural Personality of the Year Award to “Institut du monde Arabe” (Arab World Institute) in Paris.

Revolutionary shopping experience

A collaboration between Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) and Akyasi, the new innovative shopping delivery app, provided visitors to the 28th annual edition of the fair with a unique hands-free shopping experience.Launched in 2018, Akyasi is among the newest and most innovative technology and retail products in the UAE.

Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) celebrated the Year of Zayed

ADMAF’s pavilion at ADIBF reflected the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to the nurturing and development of creative industries in the UAE, and the promotion of cultural dialogue and interaction. ADMAF continues to promote local talent on an international stage to encourage a greater understanding of the UAE’s cultural achievements, both in the region and across the globe. The pavilion features a selection of ADMAF publications that highlight the wealth of creative talent in the UAE and the Arab world.

Throughout the duration of the Fair, ADMAF ran children’s workshops and activities aiming to encourage their creative writings and expressions. The workshops presented by Emirati artist and Zayed University alumnus, Asma Al Rumaithi was the recipient of The ADMAF Comic Arts Award in 2016. Asma won the award with Turning Point, a bilingual comic book featuring a tale about a girl battling with her inner voices.

Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi sign MoU with the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate and coordinate the implementation of the National Initiative launched by the Supreme Council for Motherhood under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, President of the General Women’s Union. The memorandum was signed by HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, and Alreem Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.