What changes have you seen since you took over as Director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair in 2006?
 
Of course since 2006 ADIBF has grown in size, scope and audience but the main development has been that it has become more a professional, focused and networking forum for publishers, content providers, intellectuals and literary minds from the Arab and International world. The ADIBF is now rapidly establishing itself as the most professional and sought-after fair with Abu Dhabi rapidly becoming the hub of the Arab book trade, and the point of reference for booksellers, publishers and distributors in the Arabian Peninsula and Gulf region.
 
Has the trade visitor only day had an impact on the character of the fair?

Yes, no doubt the dedicated Trade Visitor day at the 2008 Abu Dhabi International Fair brought more focus, value and added a much needed layer to the fair. The day set aside was rated as ‘most valuable’ by the Arab publishers as it enabled them to discuss opportunities with international publishers in an ideal setting for showcasing their own business.

Why should international publishers exhibit at the fair?

I can offer you numerous reasons as to why the international publishers should be present at the ADIBF but just to share a few with you…the fair will provide first hand access and introduction to the programmes like Kalima, Rights Subsidy. The ADIBF offers the ideal setting to meet the authors and potential business partners to explore and develop new markets. It is the perfect forum to merge the advantages of a business fair with a book selling market for the general public. On the public days, the fair transforms into literally the region’s largest bookstore. This is also highly attractive to international publishers, as almost three quarters of the population in United Arab Emirates are foreigners and predominantly English language speakers. With an unprecedented thirst for knowledge across the Arabic speaking countries, the opportunities for educational publishing are huge.
 
What are you most excited about for this year’s fair?
 
This year’s fair promises to be bigger, better and offer more choices!! I could list lots of new developments, but in the light of ADIBF’s adherence and commitment to fighting Piracy, we are most excited about the focal point for 2009 on International standards of intellectual property and copyright which will seamlessly set the stage for the 2010 IPA Copyright Symposium which will be hosted by the ADIBF under the organization of KITAB.
 
What are your ambitions for the ADIBF in the longer term?
 
Abu Dhabi, the capital of United Arab Emirates, is one of the world’s most groundbreaking modern cities and nothing here stands still. With that as our backdrop our aim is to make the ADIBF the most sought after fair in the Arab and International World and for that one week in March the ADIBF to be the most important event on everyone’s calendar. Abu Dhabi is a place where world cultures meet and cross-border business is empowered and it goes without saying that our vision for the ADIBF is to become an iconic event for not only the region but the International publishers as well.
 
What kind of potential do you see for growth in the Arab book industry? What are the major challenges to overcome before this growth happens?

There is also a growing readership and prevailing thirst for knowledge. There is great potential and opportunities for printing within the Arab World instead of countries like China and India. And let’s not undermine the scope of knowledge transfer from Arab countries to the West and more translations vice versa. At the same time, the English speaking book market continues to grow.

However, as well as this potential, we also face challenges, as the Industry is not yet standardized. There are no strict divisions between publishers, wholesalers, distributors etc. and there are very few book stores, making it difficult to take books to market. There is a dearth of qualified translators. Last but by no means least is the fact that copyright infringement is not taken seriously enough.
 
It is now nearly one year since Kitab – the joint venture between ADACH and the Frankfurt Book Fair – was formalized. What progress is being made in its mission to promote reading across the region?
 
As well as transforming the ADIBF into the Middle East’s fastest growing and most professionally organized international book fair, KITAB has been working diligently behind the scenes promoting reading across the region. This mission is being taken forward with programmes like reading promotion campaigns leading up to the Fair, Book Crossing events and taking part in other forums such as festivals in Dubai. However, we do appreciate that this is a significant task and a lot needs to be done. The 2009 Fair will host school visits and family outings; hands-on activities and story times, organised around the Children’s Corner, buzzing with energy, providing an oasis for kids to use their imagination and explore exciting new worlds through the printed word.

It is of course vital to add that the generous donation of AED 3 millions by H.H. General Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces greatly stimulated and encouraged students and schools in investing in books.

We look forward to welcoming more visitors to our 19th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair in March 2009!