ABU DHABI, 20th August 2024 (WAM) – The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) announced that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) will be extended to 10 days starting from its 34th edition, which is scheduled to take place from April 26 to May 5, 2025.
The aim of this decision is to promote innovation in publishing and improve cultural exchange.
The extended duration will provide more opportunities for local and Arab authors to connect with international publishers, thereby supporting the establishment of industry standards. The event’s infrastructure will also be improved to improve facilities for exhibitors and visitors and expand educational programs.
The expansion is based on a comprehensive study by the ALC that focuses on strategic goals to increase visitor numbers and revenue.
A 2024 survey found that most visitors and exhibitors favor a longer fair that promotes Arabic language and cultural productions. The extension is in line with regional exhibition standards, which usually last 10 to 12 days.
This move will promote professional exchange in the publishing and creative industries and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s role as a hub for Arab publishing.
Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, stressed that extending the duration of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will strengthen its regional and global competitiveness, while enabling visitors and exhibitors to benefit more from this major cultural event and its attractions.
“The decision to extend the duration of the fair will enhance the international reputation of the event and give delegations and guests from all over the world more time to attend and engage,” added bin Tamim. “This will also enable the event to welcome more local and international visitors, increase its reach and popularity, and ultimately contribute to the cultural economy by increasing economic activities related to books and publishing, which in turn will benefit publishers and authors as they will have more time to showcase their work and interact with audiences, which in turn will increase sales and promotional opportunities.”
With the decision to extend the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair until 2025, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre aims to promote greater cultural interaction and communication between authors and the public by organizing a wider range of cultural events, including seminars, book signings and workshops.
In addition, the programme aims to provide more opportunities, particularly for students and staff who may not have the opportunity to attend the fair during the week. It also aims to promote cultural tourism by attracting tourists interested in culture and books to Abu Dhabi, thereby establishing the UAE capital as a leading cultural and tourist destination.
