KITAB announces activities for the current year and next year'sAbu Dhabi International Book Fair

These are based upon KITAB's core aims of developing the region's book and publishing industry, improving links between Arab and international publishing communities and promoting reading in Abu Dhabi and the neighbouring Emirates,.

Several new developments are already in the pipeline for the 2009 ADIBF, scheduled for 17 to 22 March, many of which are in direct response to consultation with international publishers who attended the 2008 Fair.

These include a new space dedicated to antique books, an emphasis on education and educational publishing, an upgraded professional programme, and a continued focus on key issues such as piracy, distribution and publishing translations.

Highlights from the 2009 Fair programme, and KITAB's ongoing work over the coming twelve months include:

Reading Promotion

Book Crossing proved hugely popular when it was launched in the region for the first time this year by KITAB and the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage; and an even more ambitious event of this kind is planned for 2009.

Throughout the year 2008 a number of new and exciting activities are in the planning.

KITAB will also build on existing partnerships with a range of institutions to promote reading, and develop new links and relationships across the region.

Fighting Piracy

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has been a leading force in the fight to tackle piracy, and this promises to be even more a focus in the coming twelve months, with publishers involved in piracy once again excluded form the Fair.

There will also be an emphasis on rights issues at the 2009 Fair with a range of events and expert discussions on the subject, designed to raise awareness of copyright issues in publishing circles and amongst the general public.

All these activities will lead to the International Copyright Congress, to be hosted for the IPA in 2010.

Distribution System

KITAB continues to support the development of effective distribution channels in the Arab world, and to contribute to the professionalisation of the entire Arab market.

KITAB aims to put into place an innovative new distribution system over the coming months, with a title catalogue, professional ordering system, improved means of transportation and a 'print on demand' service to be introduced.

A dedicated 'media zone' is also in the making; a designated space giving foreign publishers the chance to set up office in Abu Dhabi, and gain maximum exposure in the Arab world.

Professional Programme

The 2008 ADIBF had a stronger professional programme than ever, and next year's fair promises to build on this.

The match-making session; 'Meet New Business Partners', was particularly effective in establishing new international relationships, and this will be improved and expanded for next year when the Fair will once again be hub for the Arab book markets and for worldwide business.

ADIBF will also establish a trade database, making it even easier for international partners to do business with the Arab World and allowing publishing professionals to plan and set up appointments in advance of the Fair.

Public Programme

Encouraging children to read is a central aim for KITAB, and was a major theme for 2008. The 2009 Fair will develop this, with a range of reading promotion activities planned for the 'Children's Area', and a larger space to be dedicated to children's publishers.

The KITAB sofa as well as the Discussion Forum will continue to welcome high profile authors during the 2009 ADIBF.

A range of big-name authors are set to be announced in the coming months and the Fair will once again act as an international showcase for the finest in Arabic fiction.