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International Book Fair opens in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI - The 14th International Book Fair, which opened at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation on Wednesday, has much in store for the avid readers.

More than 800 publishers, both local and foreign, are participating in the weeklong exhibition, showcasing an impressive collection of Arabic and English books.

Inaugurated by Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Information and Culture, the exhibition is an annual event, which brings in publishers and agents from around the world.

"This time the book fair is bigger and better with more titles, more variety and well laid-out and spacious stalls. Through organising such a massive event, we aim to enlighten people and introduce them to new cultures through the medium of books," said Jumaa Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Assistant Under-Secretary for National Library.

"All the stalls are offering special rates with a 25 per cent discount on all books. The fair is also timed well so that readers can stock a good collection for their summer reading," Mr Jumaa added.

The book fair is also replete with a lot of cultural events including seminars and lectures, musical concerts, poetry recitals and folklore shows. Visitors can also win grand prizes as daily competitions will be organised at the premises.

The National Library, which is the in-house library of the Cultural Foundation, has also put up a separate stall with more than 400 titles, mainly in Arabic. They have also brought in 4,000 Holy Quran books.

The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Department has focused on the general safety of children and society at large, showcasing books on the do's and dont's at home and outside.

The fire-fighting equipment and the purpose-built uniform of the firemen are also on display.