Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation showcases 108 children's titles at Bologna Book Fair

The Foundation is also highlighting the Dubai International Children's Book Fair it is organising in February 2010.

More than 5,000 publishers, design firms, literary institutions, and culture agencies involved with copyrights, as well as companies associated with printing and publishing from over 70 countries are participating in the four-day Bologna Children's Book Fair that runs until 26 March.

The displayed books include many titles that have been produced in collaboration with major publishers in the Arab world. The books range from fiction to scientific encyclopaedias, and other educational subjects of specific relevance to children.

Jamal Al Shehhi, CEO of Dubai International Children Book Fair, said:

"The Foundation's philosophy behind initiating the Dubai International Children's Book Fair is to emphasise the importance of reading as a habit among children. By supporting the publishing of children's books and motivating children to own and enjoy books, we aspire to build a well-informed generation of future leaders who are able to contribute to the development of their communities."

"We are pleased with our accomplishments so far in building an Arab library comprising children's books and by supporting authors and publishing houses in the children's book segment. The Bologna event offers a crucial platform for showcasing these works to highlight our ambitious objectives to an international audience."

The titles exhibited at the Fair include a series of stories by the well-known Swedish writer Henning Mankell, in addition to the Happy Child series, an encyclopaedias on animals of the Arabian Peninsula, and another on Science and Knowledge.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation pursues an ambitious multi-pronged strategy to establish communication links with various individuals and organisations in culture across the world through participation in key international events. The strategy also concurs with its overall objective to promote knowledge-based societies across the Arab world.