By Vanessa Middleton
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
Mark your calendars for May 7 to May 13. It’s the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, and here are my top five things you dare not miss!
1) Take the opportunity to hear new authors! I enjoy discovering new authors that I know very little about. To discover fresh local authors, check the schedule. The ADIBF seeks to promote Emirati and local expat writers. Well known international authors are usually well represented as well, such as Egyptian novelist Sonallah Ibrahim and American writer, Cynthia Bond. It is also a great place to purchase a signed copy of their book. The book talks and author interviews are very informative and provide insightful information about the writing, character development and the author’s creative process.
2) The Multaqa Literary Salon is an unforgettable experience. Asma Siddiq al Mutawaa is the organizer and founder of the one of the longest running Ladies Literary Salons of UAE. The group has been meeting for over 20 years in the UAE and is recognized by UNESCO as intangible heritage. Asma seeks to promote Arabic fiction by encouraging her group to read two books bi-weekly; particularly the shortlisted titles for The International Prize for Arabic Fiction. This is a literary prize managed in association with the Booker Prize Foundation in London, and supported by the Emirates Foundation in Abu Dhabi. The Multaqa Literary Salon allows the participants to experience a sophisticated, intimate and exciting dialogue with the many authors featured during the fair. The décor and the ambiance which she creates for her exhibition salon provides a memorable ADIBF experience.
3) Illustrator’s Corner is an area of the festival is always fun and exciting. You will have an opportunity to meet the illustrators of the books available at the festival. This area usually features illustrators doing what they do best, creating masterful works of art to bring stories alive. A wide range of talented illustrators are on hand to demonstrate their craft. Indeed some of the artists offer workshops or share drawing techniques with the audience!
4) School days. If you are an educator and have the opportunity to plan a field trip for your students, a school visit to ADIBF would be perfect. Please make the necessary arrangements so your students can experience the exciting buzz around literature. ADIBF usually feature special days and timings for school visits, check their website (http://www.adbookfair.com/) for more details about registering your school for a visit. As a university librarian, we are always surprised at the many university students interested in participating in the ADIBF. Festival organizers usually provide coupons to schools as an incentive to encourage students to purchase their own selections.
5) The 25th anniversary of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. This is the 25th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and the event will honour the late Sheikh Zayed. There will be lectures, poetry readings and special exhibits held in his honour, and the Sheikh Zayed Book Prizes will also be awarded during the festivities.
For more information visit www.adbookfair.com
