Kitab.ae English

Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority showcases UAE’s rich literature and culture at London Book Fair

developer — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:45:28 +0000

London, April 16, 2012: The Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority has announced its participation at the London Book Fair in its 41st edition. The three-day exhibition, which started on Monday April 16, 2012, is hosting over 400 seminars and events, besides 1,500 international exhibitors.

The Authority’s participation at the London Book Fair is aimed at networking with the global audience and boost interaction of the UAE’s cultural projects with the European and international cultures. The Authority’s cultural projects include Sheikh Zayed Book Award, Kalima Project for Translation, Kitab company, Qalam project to develop young Emirati talents, National Library and promoting the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair [ADIBF] – one of the fastest- growing book fairs in the world.

At the London Book Fair, the ADIBF, held by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority yearly in the capital of UAE, is highlighting the work of Emirati authors and writers which have been translated to different languages. It also sheds light on the unique facets of ADIBF and reinforce the success of the 22nd edition, which ended in April 2012. The participation is seen as a great networking opportunity for ADIBF to meet and attract exhibitors and publishers for the next year’s show, to be held in Abu Dhabi from March 19 to 24, 2013.

The ADIBF is represented by the KITAB team at the London Book Fair, and available at Stand V215 at the Earl’s Court venue. Apart from networking to promote the literature business in Abu Dhabi and emerging markets in the Arab States, ADIBF is also utilizing the platform to celebrate the rich Arab culture at the London Book Fair. The ADIBF is also participating in seminars, workshops, lectures and discussion forums to trigger cooperation between Arab and British publishers & intellectuals.

“The ADIBF 2012 has set very high benchmarks and recorded a great success story. The professional Programme saw 750 professionals benefiting across the 35 panels. We hosted a phenomenal 904 exhibitors from 54 countries, showcasing over half a million titles in 33 different languages. There were over 30 book signings, 55 authors, 28 tent events and 25 illustrators from 15 countries. The Creativity Corner brought together 7,000 children for 76 activities in six days. At the London Book Fair, we are showcasing this to the world,” said Mr. Jumaa Abdulla Al-Qubaisi, Director of ADIBF.

The 2013 ADIBF edition will also encompass the Spotlight on Rights initiative, building on the success of the program this year. The initiative, which is open to stand-holders and registered trade visitors, has already received 270 letters of intent at the 2012 fair.

On the sidelines of the London Book Fair, the ADIBF representatives plan to hold meetings with publishing houses and cultural establishments from around the globe. The meetings are aimed at generating new ideas and opportunities to upgrade the level of cultural and professional programmes in the 2013 edition and beyond.

ENDS:

Notes to Editors:

About the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair [ADIBF] is modelled on international best practice and attracts world class talent each year. The 22nd edition of the ADIBF was organized at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 28 March – 2 April 2012. ADIBF seamlessly combines business-to-business opportunities for the publishing industry with a rich and diverse cultural consumer programme.

About Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction which enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The authority manages the emirate’s tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The authority supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate’s heritage. A key authority role is to create synergy in the destination’s development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.

For more information please contact

Irum Fawad | Marketing and PR Manager

KITAB

ifawad@kitab.ae

Tel: +9712 657 6068 | Mobile: +971 50 446 4361

Ayesha Al Suwaidi

ADACH | Media Relations Officer

ayesha.alsuwaidi@adach.ae

Tel: +9712-657 6289

Tawaqee a runaway success

developer — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 18:11:30 +0000

Visitors delighted to meet their favorite authors and attend live book launches.

Abu Dhabi, March 31, 2012: Among the many success that the 22nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair [ADIBF] has to its credit is a unique initiative launched this year. The Tawaqee [Autographs] sessions, the first-of-its-kind initiative, has been a huge hit with visitors at ADIBF. The visitors have been flocking to interact one-on-one with the authors of their choice and get their books signed.

Darwish Al Taweel, one of the visitors attending the launch of a book: News gathering and Satellite Channels by the Emirati Writer – Mahmood Rama said: “I am from the TV production industry and exceedingly happy to be part of the first Arabic book launched on the news gathering business. Nobody has written about the subject from the in the Arab world before. The book looks very interesting and will help UAE residents get insights into the rich experience of Mahmood and guide them in competing in the News world”.

The Author Mahmood Rama, said: “Meeting the readers and interacting with them is a cherished opportunity for every Author. We have a lot to learn from our readers. Meeting so many people at the fair has already inspired me and I only wish to deliver great books to them. With my book ‘News gathering and Satellite Channels’ I aim at supporting local talent in UAE. I want to share my experience as a news journalist with students of journalism and mass media. Finally I would like to thank Abu Dhabi International Book Fair for providing local authors a great platform for growth”

The book-signing ceremonies during the exhibition is a unique attempt by ADIBF to promote reading, support publishers and allow authors to interact with their readers.

Some of the other prominent authors at the book fair include Ibrahim Al Koni, Alia Mambouh, Emily Nasrallah, James J. Zogby; and the much celebrated graphic novelist duo: Khalil and Amir, Rachid Boudjedra, Susan Abulhawa, Youssef Ziedan, among others.

A never-before opportunity to interact with your favourite author this ADIBF 2012 at ADNEC Halls 9 to 12 between 9am and 10pm every day.

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors: The 22nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will run till 2 April 2012.

About the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

The 22nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from the 28 March – 2 April 2012. ADIBF is modelled on international best practice and attracts world class talent each year. ADIBF seamlessly combines business-to-business opportunities for the publishing industry with a rich and diverse cultural consumer programme.

For more information please contact

Irum Fawad | Marketing and PR Manager

KITAB

ifawad@kitab.ae

Tel: +9712 657 6068 | Mobile: +971 50 446 4361

Ayesha Al Suwaidi

ADACH | Media Relations Officer

ayesha.alsuwaidi@adach.ae

Tel: +9712-657 6289

Ashutosh Gupta

BPG Public Relations, Dubai

Mobile: 0555088835

E-mail: ashutosh@batespangulf.com

Lubna Khorshid

BPG Public Relations, Abu Dhabi

Mobile: 0567343849

E-mail: lubna@batespangulf.com

Most e-books are in English. Arab Digital publishing Industry needs a step-up

developer — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:51:58 +0000

Experts discuss the state of digital publishing in the Arab Region

Abu Dhabi, March 30 2012: As a part of the Professional Programme at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), a group of leading experts gathered at a roundtable to discuss the current state of digital publishing in the Arab region. The Roundtable hosted by Shadi Hassan, Managing Director of Rufoof.com and Flagship.co unanimously agreed on the need for authors and publishers to gear -up and adapt the new media.

The roundtable opened with some interesting arguments including one from Mohammed Al Baghdadi, CEO of Al Manhal Publishing: “A few years ago nobody believed people would read online. Today the e-book industry has evolved around the world. The world has changed with the creation of the tablets such as iPads, and Kindle. Today more and more people are downloading e-books.”

Substantiating the need for the Arab region to focus on Digital Publishing, a publisher noted an example from Apple Computers. “The company has sold over 100 million books globally through iBooks in just 9 months”. It is evident that digital publishing is a huge opportunity for the industry.

Challenges in the Arab Region

Mistrust is one of the factors hindering the growth of digital publishing for the Arab world. High levels of piracy in the region have led to mistrust. Even today the Bestsellers are pirate and sold. The common concern is that enabling digital forms of the books will only easy piracy. Much stronger governance and laws are needed to monitor both the traditional and digital publishing industry to boost growth.

Another key challenge identified during the discussion was the available platform to buy e-books. Not every Arab country can go online and buy books. There is a strong need for a regional online platform that enables buying digital content through credit and debit cards from the region.

The Future

Times have changed. We must move with it. Children are our future and they prefer laptops to hard books. While the Arab region has been a fast adapter of technology across domains. We need to embrace digital publishing even faster. Our children need the support and means for development. Today most e-books are in English and an Arab learner is forced to learn a foreign Language.

There is an immense focus and spotlight on Digital and e-publishing at this year’s fair and this is the direction Abu Dhabi International Book Fair sees the trend heading. ADIBF would like to lead the way for the Arab publishing sector and hope that we have set a good example here for encourage publishers to move forward with the changing times.

Being held in Halls 9 to 12, the ADIBF 2012 is open daily from 9am to 10pm every day, except on Friday when it will be open from 4pm to 10pm.

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors: The 22nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will run till 2 April 2012.

For more information please contact

Irum Fawad | Marketing and PR Manager

KITAB

ifawad@kitab.ae

Tel: +9712 657 6068 | Mobile: +971 50 446 4361

Ayesha Al Suwaidi

ADACH | Media Relations Officer

ayesha.alsuwaidi@adach.ae

Tel: +9712-657 6289

Ashutosh Gupta

BPG Public Relations, Dubai

Mobile: 0555088835

E-mail: ashutosh@batespangulf.com

Lubna Khorshid

BPG Public Relations, Abu Dhabi

Mobile: 0567343849

E-mail: lubna@batespangulf.com

H.E. Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan opens Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

developer — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:18:52 +0000

Abu Dhabi, March 28, 2012: His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, officially opened the 22nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair [ADIBF] 2012 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre [ADNEC] this morning. Being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the book fair continues till April 2, 2012.

The ADIBF has brought together over 900 exhibitors from 54 countries, showcasing over half a million titles in 33 different languages. Reinforcing its identity as a melting pot of culture and knowledge, the exhibition is simultaneously hosting over 200 events – ranging from business, culture, children’s programmes to cooking.

Mr. Jumaa Abdulla Al-Qubaisi, Director of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, said: “Today, Abu Dhabi has taken centre stage in the global publishing industry. The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is much more than an exhibition – apart from bringing top-notch authors and publishers on a common platform, we have created a six-day extravaganza showcasing the rich cultural heritage that the UAE and the Arab world have to offer. We are confident that our new initiatives would be welcomed and loved by one and all.”

With the launch, ADIBF is abuzz with activity, with a host of new initiatives such as Autographs [Tawaqee] sessions, Arab Rights Showcase and DAAD Project, as also regular programmes namely the Cultural Programme, Professional Programme and Creativity Corner.

Being held in Halls 9 to 12, the ADIBF 2012 is open daily from 9am to 10pm every day, except on Friday when it will be open from 4pm to 10pm.

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors: The 22nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will run till 2 April 2012.

For more information please contact

Irum Fawad | Marketing and PR Manager

KITAB

ifawad@kitab.ae

Tel: +9712 657 6068 | Mobile: +971 50 446 4361

Ayesha Al Suwaidi

ADACH | Media Relations Officer

ayesha.alsuwaidi@adach.ae

Tel: +9712-657 6289

Ashutosh Gupta

BPG Public Relations, Dubai

Mobile: 0555088835

E-mail: ashutosh@batespangulf.com

Lubna Khorshid

BPG Public Relations, Abu Dhabi

Mobile: 0567343849

E-mail: lubna@batespangulf.com

‘Sign Language Workshop’ adds a special touch to Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

developer — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:13:57 +0000

Abu Dhabi, March 29, 2012: The Creativity Corner at the 22nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair [ADIBF] is buzzing with activity – with a wide array of activities keeping the children entertained. With dedicated sections for various interests, including mathematics, science, computers, artistic expression, reading, traffic awareness and child & education counseling, special workshops and sub-workshops involving experts have kept the young visitors between six and 12 years of age fully engrossed and engaged.

What has made the Creativity Corner truly special this year is the Sign Language Workshop – a dedicated component for children with special needs, the first-of-its-kind initiative at ADIBF. At these workshops – ‘We Hear With Our Eyes and Draw With Our Fingertips’, sign language interpreters from Abu Dhabi Rehab & Care for Special Needs People, The Blind Printing Press & Abu Dhabi Centre for Autism are interacting along with special needs children.

Through this initiative, children with hearing and speech impairments are given an opportunity to enjoy the Creative Corner workshops and interact with their peers, which aimed at providing them with the opportunity to learn and excel in a public domain.

The Sign Language Workshops, as also the other activities of the Creative Corner, runs through the duration of the Book Fair. Being held in Halls 9 to 12, the ADIBF 2012 is open daily from 9am to 10pm every day, except on Friday when it opens from 4pm to 10pm.

Creativity Corner is sponsored by Irtiqaa, Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care & Special Needs, Imperial College London Diabetes Center brought by Mubadala Healthcare, Sylvan Learning, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City.

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors: The 22nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will run till 2 April 2012.

For more information please contact

Irum Fawad | Marketing and PR Manager

KITAB

ifawad@kitab.ae

Tel: +9712 657 6068 | Mobile: +971 50 446 4361

Ayesha Al Suwaidi

ADACH | Media Relations Officer

ayesha.alsuwaidi@adach.ae

Tel: +9712-657 6289

Ashutosh Gupta

BPG Public Relations, Dubai

Mobile: 0555088835

E-mail: ashutosh@batespangulf.com

Lubna Khorshid

BPG Public Relations, Abu Dhabi

Mobile: 0567343849

E-mail: lubna@batespangulf.com

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair launches iPhone and iPad Application

developer — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:09:37 +0000

Abu Dhabi, March 29, 2012: In an effort designed to reach modern smartphone users across the globe, the 22nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair [ADIBF] has launched an iPhone & iPad Application ‘ADIBF 2012’ which is now available on the App Store.

The new application provides users with an overview of the various facets of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair – including information about the wide array of the titles on show at the exhibition, the cultural and professional programmes being organized and events running concurrently during the six-day fair. The App also sends notifications before the start of the various events so you wont miss a thing.

Mr. Jumaa Abdulla Al-Qubaisi, Director of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, said: “The iPhone & iPad application ADIBF 2012 allows users a visual interface to explore all the information about the book fair in minute details and is available as a free download from the App Store. This is part of our endeavour to actively engage Smart Phones users and offering them a chance to be part of this unique ADIBF experience.”

Being held in Halls 9 to 12, the ADIBF 2012 is open daily from 9am to 10pm every day, except on Friday when it opens from 4pm to 10pm.

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors: The 22nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will run till 2 April 2012.

For more information please contact

Irum Fawad | Marketing and PR Manager

KITAB

ifawad@kitab.ae

Tel: +9712 657 6068 | Mobile: +971 50 446 4361

Ayesha Al Suwaidi

ADACH | Media Relations Officer

ayesha.alsuwaidi@adach.ae

Tel: +9712-657 6289

Ashutosh Gupta

BPG Public Relations, Dubai

Mobile: 0555088835

E-mail: ashutosh@batespangulf.com

Lubna Khorshid

BPG Public Relations, Abu Dhabi

Mobile: 0567343849

E-mail: lubna@batespangulf.com

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair launches a book drive

developer — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 12:30:11 +0000

Campaign aimed at collecting books from public and educational institutions to offer less privileged readers accessibility to books

Abu Dhabi, March 24, 2012: As part of its commitment to give back to the underprivileged sector of the society who love reading, the 22nd annual Abu Dhabi International Book Fair [ADIBF] 2012 has launched a Book Drive. This first-of-its-kind ADIBF initiative aims to collect books, old and new on any subject, from members of the public and educational institutions.

The collected books will be later donated to the less fortunate readers in a chosen Third World country, giving them the opportunity to read and gain knowledge. To support the book drive, collection boxes have been installed at vantage points throughout the city and at the ADIBF venue –Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre [ADNEC] throughout the duration of book fair.

ADIBF has partnered with the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) for the Book Drive with ADEC helping with the collection of book from various schools across the Emirate. In addition to that ADIBF is reaching out to students in other Emirates through libraries at various educational institutions and readers within the community. Collection boxes have also been placed at universities, colleges and schools in the UAE.

Mr. Jumaa Abdulla Al-Qubaisi, Director of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, said: “It is a well established fact that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair offers an international platform for the exchange of new ideas, debates and educational programs for acclaimed novelists and the general public. However, our core objective behind the book fair is to help inspire and promote reading habits among the youth and adults. We wish to make ADIBF the treasure trove of information and knowledge – helping everyone to read and discover whilst taking books to reader where books are not readily available to them,.”

Members of the public are also encouraged to donate books and support the campaign by bringing their books to the book fair and drop them in the Book Drive Drop Box.

The six day ADIBF will operate daily from 9am to 10pm every day, except for Friday when it will be open from 4pm to 10pm.

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors: The 22nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will run from 28 March – 2 April 2012

For more information please contact

Irum Fawad | Marketing and PR Manager

KITAB

ifawad@kitab.ae

Tel: +9712 657 6068 | Mobile: +971 50 446 4361

Ayesha Al Suwaidi

ADACH | Media Relations Officer

ayesha.alsuwaidi@adach.ae

Tel: +9712-657 6289

Ashutosh Gupta

BPG Public Relations, Dubai

Mobile: 0555088835

E-mail: ashutosh@batespangulf.com

Lubna Khorshid

BPG Public Relations, Abu Dhabi

Mobile: 0567343849

E-mail: lubna@batespangulf.com

ARABIC POETRY ENCYCLOPEDIA TO DEBUT AT ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR 2012

developer — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:27:54 +0000

BEST OF ARAB AND INTERNATIONAL AUTHORS TO GATHER AT ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR

ANNOUNCES THE 2012 CULTURAL PROGRAMME

Abu Dhabi, March 14, 2012: The 22nd annual Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2012, scheduled to get under way later this month, today announced details of its Cultural Programme. As part of the programme, the best of Arab and international authors will gather in Abu Dhabi to hold a diverse and rich mix of panels, talks, debates and book signing sessions. Alongside the stimulating discussions on literature, the book fair will also mark the debut of the Arabic Poetry Encyclopedia.

The Arabic Poetry Encyclopedia, a comprehensive reference to Arabic poetry, its methods of use and a glimpse into some of the most important sources of Arab poetry to date. The session titled ‘A Debut of the Poetry Encyclopedia’ will be held on Wednesday, 28th of March with Zuhair Ahmed Zaza speaking on this occasion.

Jumaa al Qubaisi Director of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair said: “The Cultural Programme sits at the heart of the fair. It is as diverse and international as the population of the UAE and will give all booklovers a reason to attend the show. Our focus this year is to increase interaction between the authors and visitors. To enable this we have integrated many one-to-one sessions and discussions within the programme.”

He further added: “To ensure every one in the family has something to look for at the fair, we have incorporated book reading, writing workshop and even cooking sessions within the programme.”

Discussions at the fair will cover books on Islamic art, sociology, travel, cinema and camels; and presentations of an Atlas, graphic novels, theater plays, cook books, science books, poetry collections and plenty of children’s literature will be featured. Along with writing workshops, poetry recitals and open mic sessions visitors will also have the opportunity to sample delicacies and take a front seat at the cooking demonstrations at the Show Kitchen.

Dedicated venues will be built at the fair to accommodate the numerous vibrant activities under the Cultural Programme.

Discussion Sofa

The Discussion Sofa will be the place to meet recipients of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction and winners of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. It is also feature panel discussions with authors, academics, journalists, essayists and political analysts.

The Tent

New at the Book Fair this year, The Tent is inspired by the traditional majlis, but in a less formal setup. Here the members of the public meet authors, hear poetry recitals and to participate in writing workshops and open mic sessions. This is also the place for the younger audience to enjoy story telling.

Signatures and Authors’ Corner

This corner will host the book-signing sessions. The Signatures and Authors’ Corner is also open to authors not featured in the Cultural Programme but wishing to sign copies of their books.

Show Kitchen

For the visitors with a flair for cooking, the Show Kitchen will feature cooking demonstrations by chefs and amateur cooks. Emirati chefs Ali Salem and Khulood Atiq will conjure up local cuisines and enthrall the palettes. Celebrity chefs such as Ariana Bundy, , Sally Butcher, Catherine Gilbert, Dubai-based Suzanne Husseini and Bhavna Mishra will be at hand to cook delightful dishes for the audience.

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors: The 22nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will run from 28 March – 2 April 2012

About the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

The 22nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from the 28 March – 2 April 2012. ADIBF is modelled on international best practice and attracts world class talent each year. ADIBF seamlessly combines business-to-business opportunities for the publishing industry with a rich and diverse cultural consumer programme.

For more information please contact

Irum Fawad | Marketing and PR Manager

KITAB

ifawad@kitab.ae

Tel: +9712 657 6068 | Mobile: +971 50 446 4361

Ayesha Al Suwaidi

ADACH | Media Relations Officer

ayesha.alsuwaidi@adach.ae

Tel: +9712-657 6289

Ashutosh Gupta

Mobile: 0555088835

E-mail: ashutosh@batespangulf.com

Lubna Khorshid

Mobile: 0567343849

BPG Public Relations, Abu Dhabi.

E-mail: lubna@batespangulf.com

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair integrates education and learning for children with special needs

developer — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:26:57 +0000

Abu Dhabi, February 23, 2012: In a move aimed at harnessing young talent, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2012 will feature an enriched programme in the Creativity Corner. The Creativity Corner is an area designed for the young visitors between the ages, six to twelve years old.

This year the Creativity Corner will encompass a dedicated component devoted to children with special needs. As part of this initiative, special workshops will be organised throughout the period of the fair with an on-site a sign language interpreter at the workshops to enable interaction for children with special needs.

The move is aimed at reducing the social stigma by involving children with hearing and speech impairments to interact with other children. This will provide them with special educational support and offer an opportunity to learn and excel in a public domain alongside their peers.

To facilitate this program, ADIBF has joined hands with Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care & Special Needs, The Blind Printing Press, Abu Dhabi Centre for Autism and Abu Dhabi Rehab & Care for Special Needs People.

The Creativity Corner is an integral part of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and aims at providing the young visitors means to promote their learning process. Activities at the corner will touch on all the aspects of education from reading, illustration to writing.

The corner is divided into specific sections dedicated for mathematics, science, computers, artistic expression, reading, traffic awareness and child & education counselling. Other partners include Imperial College Diabetes London Center, Traffic & Patrols Directorate, Sylvan Learning Center, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, among others.

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has achieved phenomenal growth since its inception. The first edition, held in 1983, saw participation from 70 publishing houses. In 2011, the fair brought together over 875 publishing houses and showcased over half a million titles in different languages. The 2011 book fair was spread across 21,741 square metres, had participants from 58 countries and generated sales of over AED 100 million.

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors: The 22nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will run from 28 March – 2 April 2012

About the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

For more information please contact

Irum Fawad | Marketing and PR Manager

KITAB

ifawad@kitab.ae

Tel: +9712 657 6068 | Mobile: +971 50 446 4361

Ayesha Al Suwaidi

ADACH | Media Relations Officer

E-mail: ayesha.alsuwaidi@adach.ae

Tel: +9712-657 6289

Ashutosh Gupta

Mobile: 0555088835

E-mail: ashutosh@batespangulf.com

Lubna Khorshid

Mobile: 0567343849

BPG Public Relations, Abu Dhabi.

E-mail: lubna@batespangulf.com

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair announces ‘The Professional Programme’

developer — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:43:37 +0000

Abu Dhabi, February 20, 2012: The 22_nd annual Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2012 today announced the elements of The Professional Programme. The Professional Programme has been designed to bring together the best in business panels, networking and seminars, with the key aim to assess the current state of the book publishing industry and digital content in the Arab region.

The Professional Programme will be touching on the vital topics such as digital and design. Broad elements that form the programme comprise an Illustration corner, the eZone & Service Provider area and The Education Chapter.

The Professional Programme within the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has been designed to provide the Arab publishing industry a platform to discuss business issues and opportunities. It will focus on depth in content, quality of speakers and interaction. 2012 Abu Dhabi International book fair is lot more multifaceted and engaging than ever before. It will throw up enormous diversity of ideas arising from the combination of enterprising spirit and thought process- especially with the change in trends and emphasis on professionalizing the publishing industry in the region.

The dedicated Professional Programme will host an intricate calendar of events. Among the most notably are – a roundtable discussion on Digital Publishing. The session will discuss the state of digital publishing in the Arab region and where is it headed. The prominent panel comprises of Shadi Hasan, Managing Director of Rufoof.com and Flagship.co; Mohamed Al Baghdadi, CEO of Al Manhal Publishers, Jordan; Sana Ghenima, CEO of Sanabil Med, Tunisia; Salah Chebaro, CEO of Neelwafurat.com/nwf.com; Octavio Kulesz, Director of Teseo; Alexander McNabb, Co-Founder of Spot On PR; Dr. Panayiotis Paschalakis, President of Digibooks4all and Patrick Beyrouti, Senior Business Development Manager for Middle-East at Arab Business Machine, Authorised distributor of Apple.

A key session must for the Arab publishing and digital industry will be on “Making Arabic eBooks’. The session will focus on how to create ePubs and the technology behind them. The list of speakers includes Samer Al Sayyah, Senior Developer at Flagship Pro, Dominique Roux, Presses Universitaries de Caen and Emmanuelle Corne, Publisher at les Editions de la Maison des Sciences de L’Homme, France.

Another interesting session will be on understanding the key differences between eBooks and Tablets. The session on “eBooks vs. Tablet books will be led by Shadi Hasan, Managing director of Rufoof.com & Flagship.co.

Panels will also focus on Creating Educating content in the fields of science and non-fiction, eBooks vs. tablet books: the key differences and where to start and what to expect, The Rise of the Image: Why comics and graphic novels are increasing in popularity and more.

The popular Illustrators’ Corner will return in its second year hosting several talented individuals and agencies, who bring books to life with their artistic works. The eZone & Service Providers’ area will include different presentations on the technical side of digital publishing. And The Education Chapter will offer access to market presentations from speakers in the Ministries of Education and Higher Education in the region.

The annual book fair also offers a range of cultural activities that includes lectures, literary and intellectual events targeting people from all age groups, movie screenings and concerts.

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has achieved phenomenal growth since its inception. The first edition, held in 1983, saw participation from 70 publishing houses. In 2011, the fair brought together over 875 publishing houses and showcased over half a million titles in different languages. The 2011 book fair was spread across 21,741 square meters, had participants from 58 countries and generated sales of over AED 100 million.

ENDS -

Notes to Editors:

The 22nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will run from 28 March – 2 April 2012

About the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

For more information please contact

Irum Fawad | Marketing and PR Manager

KITAB

ifawad@kitab.ae

Tel: +9712 657 6068 | Mobile: +971 50 446 4361

Ayesha Al Suwaidi

ADACH | Media Relations Officer

ayesha.alsuwaidi@adach.ae

Tel: +9712-657 6289

Ashutosh Gupta

Mobile: 0555088835

E-mail: ashutosh@batespangulf.com

Lubna Khorshid

Mobile: 0567343849

BPG Public Relations, Abu Dhabi.

E-mail: lubna@batespangulf.com