Sharing market intelligence on potential of Arab book market key to Abu Dhabi International Book Fair's attendance at Frankfurt

The TCA Abu Dhabi and ADIBF presence has been an immense success amongst the international and Arab exhibitors at the Frankfurt Book Fair this year. The exquisitely designed stand was bustling with potential exhibitors, agents, partners, publishers and international collective delegates all seeking more information and benefiting from the materials and advice being offered by the team.

The ADIBF team was actively working on acquisitions for the 2013 ADIBF and meeting potential exhibitors, head of publishing associations from different countries, sponsors as well as networking with exhibitors from 2012. This was all aimed to enhance the profile of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair as well as to raise awareness and network with eminent exhibitors to be a part of the next show which promises to be bigger and better than 2012.

The KITAB team also conducted one-to-one meetings with returning as well as new exhibitors to the 23rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. ADIBF offers premium access and information to the Arab publishing sector and a marketplace for international publishers. Keeping pace with the global developments and trends in the digital publishing sector the book fair offers a condusive environment to meet new partners in the field and showcase latest developments to a captive audience. While at the same time ADIBF is fast becoming a 'hub' of the Arab book trade for publishers as well as the point of reference in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region nurturing the development of a a robust publishing industry.

Mohamed Abdullah Al Shehhi, of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair was actively meeting partners and exhibitors at the 2012 Frankfurt Book Fair said, "Abu Dhabi International BookFair is a truly an international event offering a critical platform for developing long-term networking opportunity between the Arab and international publishing communities. ADIBF offers prime access to emerging markets in the Gulf States and beyond where international publishers in network and conduct business with Arab counterparts. As a result our attendance at the Frankfurt Book Fair is of immense importance to us in meeting partners and potential exhibitors."

KITAB with immense support and encouragement from TCA Abu Dhabi successfully organised three sessions highlighting the potential of 'Business in the Arab World' during the first 3 days of the fair. A total of approximately 100 registered attendees benefitted from the 3 sessions.

On Wednesday, 10th October KITAB presented a seminar titled 'Successful Partnerships in Educational and Academic Publishing in MENA'. The panelists comprised of international and Arab companies who have set up successful partnerships with counterparts in the Arab world. Speakers from Hachette Antone and pringers elaborated on the reasons for this move and how such partnerships and local market knowledge has been beneficial for both sides. The importance of having a local partner with access to the various decision makers and familiarity of cultural norms was rated very highly. The speakers shared best practices and insights about their successful business in the MENA region.

The Thursday, 11th October the 'Licensing children's content to the Middle Eastern Market' session had an overwhelming attendance of keen educational publishers exploring opportunities of entering the Arab Children's book market. Speakers and experts from Scholastic and Albert Whitman; two companies who have been operating successfully in Middle East shared their insights and learning experiences with the audience. Librairie Orientale, one of the oldest and most prestigious publishing companies in the Arab world brought in a wealth of local Arab market experience and advice for the audience on territorial rights and language rights, licensing vs. co-editions etc. Jabal Amman Publishers, a dynamic company from Jordan shared their own market research in this segment as well as some interactive samples of their books and publications. The panel shared critical information and presented observations on reading habits of Arab children.

Friday, 12th October wrapped up with a session on 'Matchmaking Arab-Malaysian Publishers'. Organised by the Abu Dhabi International Book fair and the National Book Council of Malaysian the session aimed at highlighting trade opportunities at the ADIBF for the publishing industry from Malaysia and how to boast their business networks through targeted match-making. Quite a few exchanges and partnerships were initiated at the end of the session.

The 3rd edition of the Al Kitab Al Arabi (a background on the Arab Book Industry) was very well received by international partners and exhibitors who have keen interest in the Arab book market. KAA is regarded as an invaluable market intelligence tool by the international publishers and offers opinions and observations by market leaders in the Arab book industry.

Abu Dhabi International Book prides itself in offering world-class access and market intelligence to our international partners and exhibitors. ADIBF aims to keep pace with global developments in the digital publishing sector with particular focus on how these apply locally. At the Frankfurt Book Fair; TCA Abu Dhabi and the KITAB team focused on market seminars aimed to raise awareness about the unlimited networking and business opportunities Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has to offer the international publishing sector. Abu Dhabi International Book Fair values the importance of the trends in digital as well as print publications in this fast-paced sector and continue to offer a balance towards its progression.

The focus of the 23rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (24th - 29th April 2013) will be on ePublishing, digital content, Apps and latest technology. ADIBF will offer the perfect landscape for content developers and service providers to showcase their products and services to the publishing community. ADIBF is an ideal forum where business meets culture offering a rich and multi-facetted programme designed to appeal to our Arab and international visitors.