Intensive preparations to organise Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2009

Mazrouei revealed that the next fair will be the largest in terms of the cultural program and events accompanying it.

He stressed that the Abu Dhabi Book Fair "is the fastest growing in the Middle East and has become more international, professional and attractive to publishing houses and intellectuals."

Al-Mazrouei added:

"The book fair will bring an unprecedented level of foreign publishing houses which will participate in the forthcoming fair, especially when 482 publishers from 42 countries took part in the last fair and received the best services."

"The fair takes every year new and important steps in the framework of a strategy that transforms it into an important regional and international forum of book and business markets worldwide, with the commitment and emphasis on the standards of publishing rights which are not only reflected in our professional culture, but also in the selection of our exhibitors," he noted.

"Organised by the company 'Kitab', which is the joint venture between the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage and the Frankfurt Book Fair, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is considered as one of the most important events that brings the culture to the forefront of society through organising distinguished intellectual and literary activities in conjunction with the presentation of the latest releases in various sciences and literature," Mazrouei pointed out.

Mazrouei said that Abu Dhabi "has been able within a short period of time to achieve a leadership and to establish a pioneering role at both regional and international levels through the implementation of its cultural strategy regarding the development of the book publishing and translation industry, thanks to the important directives of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the continuous follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the sponsor of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. This helped achieve a qualitative leap in terms of the cultural movement in Abu Dhabi and made the UAE capital a fundamental pillar in the global cultural events."

Meanwhile, the fair's organising committees held intensive meetings headed by HE Jumaa Al Qubaisi, Director of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair at ADACH headquarters where the latest developments in organising and promotional aspects and the rich cultural program were discussed in addition to the participation of all cultural projects, which operate under ADACH's umbrella in the fair, including Sheikh Zayed Book Award, the 'Kalima' and 'Qalam' projects, the National Library, tangible and intangible heritage projects, Poetry Academy, and the Middle East International Film Festival.

Qubaisi stressed that "Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which will be held on March 17-22, 2009 under the slogan 'Tomorrow's Markets Today!', is always committed to addressing the key issues facing the publishing industry today such as piracy, distribution and publication of translations."

"The fair includes an important exhibition of old and rare books, and organises several events aimed at developing the sector of books and publishing in the region, boosting ties between Arab and international publishing societies, and improving literacy in all parts of the United Arab Emirates," he said.

Qubaisi added that the main focal points of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2009 and future activities of "Kitab" in the coming months are as follows:

- Spotlight on intellectual property rights:
A new supporting program under ADACH auspices will be in charge of giving a US$1,000 grant for every agreement to buy the publishing rights and licenses, which will be signed during the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair in a bid to promote the exchange of intellectual property rights between Arab publishing houses or translation from/to Arabic.

- Anti-Piracy:
The 2009 fair will prevent publishers who are involved in any acts of intellectual piracy to participate as part of ongoing efforts to combat piracy.

The emphasis will be on rights issues to a degree of awareness of copyright issues through a series of events and experts' discussions on the subject. These activities will culminate in the meeting of the International Publishers Copyright Council, which is part of the International Publishers Association in 2010.

- The distribution system:
"Kitab" will very soon launch a new and innovative system for the distribution of books based on title indexing, the system of vocational tab, sophisticated means of transportation, and the service of "printing on demand."

A "media area" is being built to allow foreign publishers to set up an office in Abu Dhabi and get the largest possible promotion and marketing in the Arab world.

- Exhibition of old and rare books:
In 2009, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair presents the first Arab exhibition of old and rare books, opening the way for those who are interested in purchasing rare world famous books and a collection of wonderful and valuable reference books in many languages.

- Defining global authors:
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will continue to highlight the Sheikh Zayed Book Award by introducing world-renowned authors and intellectuals from the Arab World.

The Arab novel's world award will be given to a writer who outperforms in contemporary creative writing in Arabic. Some international writers, considered as giants in world literature and conception, will also attend the 2009 fair.

- Vocational program:
The 2008 fair witnessed a rich professional program which the 2009 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair vows to develop further.

The panel discussion, which took place under the title "Meeting new business partners," played an active role, particularly in the establishment of global ties which will be developed and expanded next year when the fair once again will be a focal point for the Arab book markets and business worldwide.

The fair will also establish a database of business reports and make them more easily available to international partners in order to do business deals with the Arab world, and open the door to professional publishers to be able to schedule their appointments prior to the fair.

- The public's program:
Encouraging children to read is one of Kitab's prime goals. It was one of the main themes in 2008, thanks especially to the initiative of His Highness the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to support students' procurements of books. The 2009 fair will aim to develop this program through a series of activities to promote reading, which will take place in the "children's corner," and other wider activities which will be dedicated to publishers of children's books.

The "Book Chat" and the "Discussion Forum" will continue to welcome high-calibre authors in 2009. The fair will once again play the window to the best work of Arabic novels.

- Promoting reading:
The initiative of the "Transitional Book" tremendously proved its popularity when it was launched by Kitab and ADACH last year. There is a similar initiative which the fair intends to organise in 2009. During 2008, the planning of a number of new entertaining activities continued. Kitab will rely on existing partnerships with numerous centres to promote reading and develop new ties and bonds across the region.