Focus on digital publishing during Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2013

Pakistan News & Features Services

The 23rd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) 2013, held in the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from April 24 to 29, kept pace with the changing times and enhanced its focus on digital publishing by doubling the size of its eZone with speakers from Europe, UK, US, India, UAE as well as a strong representation from the Gulf region. 

   

Abu Dhabi has rapidly become the hub of the Arab book trade and the point of reference for booksellers, publishers and distributors in the Arabian Gulf region. The ADIBF has been providing a platform where publishers, booksellers, agents, cultural organizations and media exchange ideas and identify business opportunities. 

Since 2007 it has been organized by KITAB, a joint venture between the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage and the Frankfurt Book Fair. The ADIBF forms part of KITAB’s strategy to transform Abu Dhabi into a major centre in the publishing world. 

The ADIBF 2013 turned out to be yet another success story with the participants and visitors hailing the annual event.

   

The thousands of books on offer were not the only attraction for the huge number of visitors as the heavy agenda of panel discussions, presentations, talks, and networking opportunities was even more cutting-edge this year trade visitors enjoyed an exciting and very dynamic line-up of over 30 sessions that brought together over 50 industry experts, professional speakers, market leaders, and trendsetters to share opinions and ideas on contemporary publishing topics. 

There was a diverse and stimulating cultural programme hosted over 100 authors and featured more than 200 sessions at a number of venues that included the Discussion Sofa, The Tent, GCC Stage and Tawaqee.

   

This year's ADIBF once again featured the winners from the prestigious Sheikh Zayed Book Award, and gave book lovers the opportunity to meet the winner and shortlisted authors from the International Prize for Arabic Fiction 2013 in the Discussion Sofa area which was followed by a book signing. 

The winners of The National and the ADIBF short story competition were announced during the Book Fair and the event offered budding UAE writers an opportunity to attend a panel discussion with celebrated short story writers with guest speakers offering a master class for aspiring young writers.