Abu Dhabi: The 32nd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) is set to begin at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), under the patronage of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), the event will run until May 28th 2023.
This year’s fair is expected to be the largest yet, featuring over 2,000 cultural, literary, and artistic events. With more than 1,300 participants from over 85 countries, including an unprecedented number of exhibitors and publishers, visitors will have access to over 500,000 book titles. The 32nd edition aims to provide a unique cultural, artistic, and literary experience for visitors of all ages and interests, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a global cultural hub.
In addition to ADNEC, satellite programming will be held at five different cultural sites, namely the Cultural Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, New York University Abu Dhabi, and the “Logos Hope” ship, which is currently anchored in Mina Zayed Port as part of the fair’s activities.
This year’s Guest of Honour is the Republic of Türkiye, with a special program celebrating Türkiye’s creative output and promoting cultural exchange between Türkiye and the Arab world. The program will include panel discussions and events exploring Turkish literature, poetry, and culinary traditions, with appearances by renowned authors such as Beşir Ayvazoğlu and Mehmet Hakkı Suçin. The Turkish pavilion will welcome publishers and partners from the region, including the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Istanbul Chamber of Commerce.
The ‘Focus Personality’ of ADIBF 2023 is the 14th-century Arab philosopher Mr. Ibn Khaldun, considered the father of the social sciences. The program will feature sessions and workshops delving into Mr. Ibn Khaldun’s work and legacy, with discussions on history, philosophy, and literature led by critics and academics, including Tunisian historian and archaeologist Dr. Ibrahim Shabouh, philosopher Mr. Ahmed Barqawi, and British writer Anthony Satine.
Aligned with the UAE’s declaration of 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability,’ the theme of ADIBF 2023 is ‘Sustainability.’ This theme coincides with the country’s hosting of the annual COP28 conference on climate change in November. The fair’s program will include thought-provoking events focused on fostering a comprehensive understanding of sustainability, particularly among the youth, covering topics such as climate change and food security. Panel discussions will explore ways to make the publishing industry more sustainable and discuss the role of museums in promoting public understanding of sustainability.