The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) which will be held as a physical and digital event from 23-29 May, has its first-ever female director, Mouza Al Shamsi, former director of the Sheikh Zayed Book Awards. She spoke at a press conference in Abu Dhabi at which details of this year’s hybrid physical and virtual fair were announced.
Shamsi promised the fair would be a “creative and innovative version of a combined fair” and said it would be a “unique experience”. There will be authors and speakers from around the world including bestselling US author Mitch Albom, German children’s author Paul Maar and British explorer Levison Wood.
Guest of honour Germany will now have a two-year programme, culminating in a physical presence and pavilion at the 2022 ADIBF.
His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic language Centre and Secretary-General of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, says: “After a challenging year for the whole publishing community, we are delighted to host the physical book fair next month and pleased with the large numbers of distinguished speakers who will be participating. Abu Dhabi International Book Fair continually works to enhance the Arabic cultural and knowledge sectors, while also providing the public a platform from which to view the latest literary releases from around the world. We look forward to welcoming our dedicated partners and stakeholders who
have made it possible to stage ADIBF this year, and we look forward to renewing old alliances in person and meeting new audiences via our virtual programmes.”
Also taking part in this year’s ADIBF are international publishing figures IPA President Sheikha Bodour and the director of the Frankfurt Book Fair Juergen Boos.