The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has announced the results of the 33^rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF 2024), which was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

The Fair featured 1,350 publishers from 90 countries, showcasing their latest publications on various topics in literature, thought, philosophy, medicine, and technology, with a select group of writers, thinkers, and influential figures participating in more than 2,000 activities.

This year’s Book Fair welcomed 231,168 visitors over the course of its seven days and sold 160,152 books for an estimated total of AED8,398,506. The overall visitor satisfaction rate for the 2024 edition grew by 5% compared to the 2023 rate, which was 92%.

Moreover, the ADIBF 2024, themed ‘Where the World’s Tales Unfold’, featured several new events, including the selection of Egypt as Guest of Honour, making it the first Arab country to be honoured at the Fair. In addition, renowned Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz, the only Arab Nobel Prize laureate in literature, was chosen as the Focus Personality for this year’s Fair.

The 2024 edition of the Book Fair welcomed 145 new exhibitors and publishers, as well as 12 countries participating for the first time, namely, Greece, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Pakistan, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Mozambique, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Indonesia.

His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, asserted that: “The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair continues on its path of success and achievement, concluding yet another successful edition that cemented its reputation as a leading exhibition in terms of content, form, innovation, and display. This year’s Fair featured an array of successes that opened the door wide for the public to explore innovations in cultural industries, savour the aesthetics of literature, and marvel at the wonders of the arts. It also provided an opportunity for Emirati publishers and authors to present their innovations and explore ideas that optimise the use of technologies, enabling knowledge to prosper and cultural and creative industries to thrive.”

“This year’s edition of the Book Fair showcased a prestigious image that embodied the UAE and its capital Abu Dhabi’s standing as a leading hub for major cultural events that align with our wise leadership’s vision to prioritise people as the cornerstone for all development, and support all efforts to strengthen their cultural identity and connection with their native Arabic language, all while enhancing their knowledge, culture, innovation, and creativity,” H.E. bin Tamim added. “This, in turn, empowers people to play their part in advancing civilisation, anchored by a robust moral system and the noble values of the UAE.”

This year’s edition of the ADIBF introduced the Book of the World corner, which spotlighted the renowned book ‘Kalila wa Dimna’ by Abdullah Ibn al-Muqaffa for its inaugural edition, coinciding with the exhibition titled ‘From Kalila wa Dimna to La Fontaine: Travelling through Fables’, held at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

In addition to book exhibitions, the Fair organised a range of events and activities across its different platforms, including the Memphis and Thebes stages, which hosted meetings and sessions with guest authors and thinkers, including winners of awards such as the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and the International Prize for Arabic Fiction.

Moreover, ADIBF included an array of other sections, catering to visitors’ diverse interests. These included the Arts Corner; the Learn platform tailored to children’s needs; and cultural exhibitions from various continents at the pavilions of publishers from these countries. Also on the agenda was the World’s Cuisine section, showcasing global culinary traditions, which reinforced the Fair’s status as a premier family destination.

Meanwhile, the Fair’s comprehensive professional programme brought together regional publishing sectors and creative industries, in line with Abu Dhabi’s pivotal role in supporting print, visual, audio, and interactive cultural works, and keeping pace with the latest developments in publishing and technology, including artificial intelligence. The aim is to cement the capital's position as a hub for Arab publishing and global creative content, and to enhance the Fair as a leading global competitor in the sector, striving to develop and sustain the Arab and global publishing industry, while facilitating communication among all stakeholders worldwide.