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Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) is set to return this year for its 29th edition, taking place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 24 – 30 April under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces. Thousands of literature enthusiasts and industry professionals from the emirate, the region and around the world are expected to attend, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for publishing

Catering to publishing industry professionals, fans of literature, poetry, and culture as well as families and students, ADIBF will feature 1,000 exhibitors from 50 countries, with more than 500,000 titles on display. For the first time, the fair will see exhibitors from Ukraine, Czech Republic, Estonia, Malta and Portugal participating. “The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair plays an important role in allowing us to open ourselves to other cultures, and this function is especially resonant in 2019, during what has been designated the Year of Tolerance,” commented HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. “We are continually moving towards a knowledge-based economy, seeking to create a culture of intellectualism and expertise here in the UAE.

ADIBF is the annual marketplace for the publishing industry in the Middle East and North Africa region. It offers a platform for local and international talent to showcase their work, and network with industry pioneers and specialists.  India will be featured as the official Guest of Honour for the 29th edition of the event, with much of the fair’s programming dedicated to reflecting and showcasing the diversity and richness of the country’s culture.

The late Emirati poet Ousha Al Suwaidi has been selected as the ‘Focused Personality’ of the fair, and special programming will highlight her incredibly influential work and legacy as a master of Nabataean poetry.