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ABU DHABI / WAM
Thousands of literature enthusiasts and industry professionals from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the region and around the world are expected to attend, the upcoming Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF 2019), reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global hub for publishing.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the 29th edition of the book fair will take place from April 24-30 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).
India will be featured as this year’s official Guest of Honour, with much of the fair’s programming dedicated to reflecting and showcasing the diversity and richness of the country’s culture. India’s participation in the fair is expected to attract significant visitor numbers with various events and activities held throughout the entire duration of ADIBF.
These activations will embrace the fields of literature, culture, art, music, cinema and dance. India’s participation will also provide a chance for investors wishing to explore and capitalise on opportunities offered by Indian groups and publishers that are present in the GCC. In addition, the Indian Pavilion will host Indian writers, authors and literary scholars who will serve as ambassadors for the literature and art of their country.
The fair’s main stage will host some of India’s most talented authors, including India’s High Commissioner to UAE, Navdeep Suri, who will see his book, “Inked in Blood and Spirit of Freedom”, launched at ADIBF. The book is a translation into English of Suri’s grandfather’s famous poem ‘Khooni Vaisakhi’, based on his witnessing of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919. Also making an appearance is best-selling author Preeti Shenoy, who will talk about her new book “Wake Up, Life Is Calling”, discussing the inspiration behind it and why it is so important to live life to the fullest each day.
Abu Dhabi-based writer Deepak Unnikrishnan will talk about his new book “To Remember, I Invented People”, which discusses the people who raised him and how they shaped the narrative of his book. Author Shri Birad Rajaram will give a talk focusing on the themes and values of peace and truth examined in his book “Exploring the Life of the Mahatma”. In addition, Manoj Das, one of the most respected names in Indian literature, will speak about his book “My Little India”, which appraises the state of Indian values in today’s ever-changing milieu.
There is also an exciting roster of hand-picked Indian performers appearing at ADIBF, showcasing genres from classical music and dance, to Punjabi folk music and much more. Highlights include the hugely popular pop singer Jasbir Jassi, folk music group Kutle Khan and singer-songwriter Harpreet.
ADIBF is the annual marketplace for the publishing industry in the Middle East and North Africa region.
It offers a platform for local and international talent to showcase their work, and network with industry pioneers and specialists.
Catering to publishing industry professionals, fans of literature, poetry, and culture as well as families and students, ADIBF will feature 1,000 exhibitors from 50 countries, with more than 500,000 titles on display. For the first time, the fair will see exhibitors from Ukraine, Czech Republic, Estonia, Malta and Portugal participating.
