Abu Dhabi International Book Fair Returns for Its 32nd Edition, Showcasing Unprecedented Cultural Diversity and Record Participation

The Cultural Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, New York University Abu Dhabi, and the "Logos Hope" ship, the world's largest floating book fair

on May 22, 2023

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair Returns for Its 32nd Edition, Showcasing Unprecedented Cultural Diversity and Record Participation

At the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the 32nd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) will begin on Monday.

The expo, hosted by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), a Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) division, is being held under the president's patronage and will run till May 28.

With a remarkable lineup of more than 2,000 cultural, literary, and artistic activities, the 2023 expo is expected to be its biggest ever. With over 1,300 participants from over 85 countries, it will also feature a record number of exhibitors and publishers, giving attendees access to more than 500,000 book titles.

This distinguishes the 32nd edition as a key milestone in activity diversity and volume, providing visitors of all ages and interests with a distinctive cultural, artistic, and literary experience and enhancing Abu Dhabi's standing as a major cultural center worldwide.

The Cultural Foundation, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, New York University Abu Dhabi, and the "Logos Hope" ship, the world's largest floating book fair, are all hosting satellite programming in addition to ADNEC. The ship is anchored in Mina Zayed Port with the fair's activities.

As this year's Guest of Honour, the Republic of Turkey, a unique program will honor the nation's artistic production and promote cultural cooperation between Turkey and the Arab world. In sessions like Game Changing Women, Philosophy for Children, and Turkish Culinary Culture, panel discussions, and events will examine Turkish literature and poetry, literary translations of Turkish classics, and the country's rich culinary traditions. Notable authors like Beşir Ayvazolu and Mehmet Hakk Suçin will attend. Publishers and partners from around the area, including the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and the Republic of Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, will be welcomed at the special Turkish pavilion.

Ibn Khaldun, a 14th-century Arab philosopher widely recognized as the founder of the social sciences, is this year's "Focus Personality" of the Fair. The agenda will include discussions of history, philosophy, and literature, as well as talks and workshops centered on Ibn Khaldun's contributions and legacy. There will be a range of critics and academics who will speak, including British author Anthony Satine and historian and archaeologist Dr. Ibrahim Shabouh of Tunisia, who is well-known for his work on Ibn Khaldun's writings.