Jonathan Griffiths, General Manager of Books at Motivate Publishing, agrees, "This book fair continues to improve year by year. There's been a lot more activity, particularly in trade this year which has been a real plus."
The first ever Antiquarian Book Fair in the Arab World was extremely successful, with a huge amount of interest from visitors of all ages throughout the fair.
Of particular interest is the overwhelming response to two new initiatives this year: the Education Chapter, organised in association with education experts Taaleem and supported by Emirates Foundation, was a resounding success, while an incredible 200 letters of intent were signed under the Spotlight on Rights initiative that will each benefit from a subsidy of $1000.
The first "Education Chapter" was well attended with delegates travelling to hear keynote speakers Dr Samia al Farra and Sir John Jones. Dr Khamis S Al-Bulushi, Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Higher Education - Deputy Director General, Private Universities and Colleges, Programmes and Quality Assurance, confirmed, "Organising 'The Education Chapter' as part of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair strengthens its cultural links and adds depth and value to the event, as it is worthwhile visiting the whole Fair while here. I will definitely come again next year."
Claudia Kaiser, the General Manager of Kitab, tells us:
"Education and rights was an important focus for the 2009 Fair, and we will continue our focus on rights and rights trading for 2010 too. The huge popularity of this initial programme has reinforced our opinion that it is a much needed and necessary step to increase awareness for rights trading, distribution networks and professionalism in the publishing market in the UAE."
With this in mind, the 2010 Fair will focus on this subject, in addition to Kitab hosting the 7th International Publishers' Association Copyright Symposium from 28 February - 1 March, merely a day before the 20th ADIBF.
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Siba Sami Ammari
