Abu Dhabi: The Arabic Language Centre (ALC) at Abu Dhabi has begun accepting registrations for its ‘Spotlight on Copyright’ program for the upcoming 31st Edition of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF).
This year’s ADIBF will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from the 23rd of May to the 29th.
ALC, an initiative by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is organizing the ‘Spotlight on Copyright’ program to raise awareness about the benefits of copyrighting works while supporting the translation of content into and from Arabic. The program also offers grants to convert printed content into digital e-books and audiobooks as well as fostering greater cooperation between Arab and international publishers.
THE GRANT
The program provides grants from $2,504.76 to $4,002.18 for a printed book translated into or from Arabic.
The grants for conversion from printed works to e-books are between $1,007.35 and $ 2,014.70, while the grants for conversion to audiobooks range from $1,497.41 to $2,014.70.
THE PROGRAM
Initially launched in 2009, the program has since published 900+ books with over 100 publishers across various categories, including children’s books, science, history and social sciences.
These books, which have enriched the Arabic literature scene, have since also been translated into several other international languages. By 2020, 900+ books had been translated, with grants totaling $499,863.85 being awarded.
In 2020, the program introduced an audio/e-book grant to keep pace with the rapid transformation of the publishing sector globally. Electronic and audio content is now outpacing printed content around the world, as well as in the Arab region.
With this program, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre seeks to promote respect for intellectual property rights in the Arab world. It encourages knowledge exchange between Arab and foreign publishing houses and works tirelessly to enrich Arabic content by offering financial and professional support to publishers and encouraging the translation of content to and from Arabic.
Mr. Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Acting Executive Director of the ALC and Director of the ADIBF observed about the program.
As much as 1,042 titles were supported at last year’s edition with grants amounting to $642,452.19 being spread across 3 book categories;
- Print Category (with 138 books) – $457,369.98
- 41 Audiobooks – $62,619.11 and
- 123 eBooks – $122,463.10
Individuals who are interested to involve with the ‘Spotlight on Copyright’ program, held in-person at Hall 10, Booth A06 at ADIBF, can now register and submit their applications.