The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair runs a leading-edge Professional Programme of events, designed to foster the thriving MENA publishing industry and facilitate the creation of exciting international partnerships.

ADIBF’s 2019 Programme was packed with opportunities to engage with experts in this region. There were interactive discussions on Arab–European literary relations and exporting literature into and from Arab nations, as well as informative sessions on the future of Emirati and African publishing and finding the best Arabic books to sell.

Our Programme is aimed at everyone with a professional interest in the written word. Last year, visitors had the chance to gain a fascinating insight on how to get started in the publishing industry, with insider tips on building your brand from the ground up through grassroots media and seminars on the first stages of setting up your own publishing house. Publishers were encouraged to look forward, with sessions on publishing houses working together, women breaking through the glass ceiling to management roles and how we can lead with empathy. A spotlight was also shone on the evolving nature of the industry, with lively debates on the role of artificial intelligence and how best to use the growing audiobooks and e-publishing market to your advantage.

If you want to know what it takes to get published, increase book sales, discover the latest literary trends and tech developments, gain insider insights on market movements, have a mentoring session with a top illustrator, network with carefully selected potential business partners or apply for subsidies on your book deals, join us at ADIBF 2021. We will be back for our most extensive Professional Programme yet.