Kitab to raise the bar of Arab publishing with world-class training programme

The first courses will be held in June in conjunction with the Goethe-Institute Gulf Region, the Frankfurt Book Fair and the Academy of the German Book Trade.

"Only with the continued professional development of the publishing industry in the Arab world can we achieve our dual goals of boosting the book business and creating a buzz around books,"

said Claudia Kaiser, General Manager of Kitab.

"These training courses build on the solid platform of professionalism established at last month's book fair by giving local publishers access to leading players in the publishing world. By creating new opportunities for dialogue and knowledge-sharing we can raise the bar one notch higher."

Commenting on the need to build on the successes of the ADIBF, Ms Kaiser noted that the 'Spotlight on Rights' initiative at the fair generated more than 200 expressions of interest in the subsidised licensing deals available.

"Kitab has created a new momentum in the publishing industry that signals a shift from pure discussion towards positive action from regional publishers, especially the new generation of publishers that understands better the economic, educational and entertainment-related benefits of commercial and creative best practice within the industry," added Ms Kaiser.

Claudia Kaiser noted that the popularity of the aspects of the fair that were tailored to the general audience was testament to how greater professionalism and richer content can appeal to a broad range of people.

"Our Discussion Forum engaged 750 people in televised dialogues that covered everything from facets of Emirati women to bridging the gap between Arab and Latin cultures," said Ms Kaiser.

"50 celebrated authors were on hand for book signings and up to 6,000 young people visited the Children's Corner daily. These numbers indicate the unprecedented success of the 2009 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair."

In addition to this summer's publishers training courses, Kitab's professional programme continues next year when the organisation hosts the 7th IPA Copyright Symposium from 28 February to 1 March. The 20th ADIBF will take place from 2 to 7 March and will focus on 'Trading Rights'.