This year's Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) will see around around 500 cultural initiatives, programmes, and activities held at the Emirate's convention centre over the seven-day event. The Tourism and Culture Authority's director of library management, Abdullah Majid Al Ali, said that in 2016, ADIBF will celebrate the UAE's "Year of Reading," as declared by Sheikha Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. "With this national context in mind, ADIBF is integral to the mission of raising literary awareness and engaging residents and visitors in a community-wide dialogue on the importance of progress in reading and writing," Al Ali said. The life of the Arabic-Islamic philosopher, Ibn Rushd, and his literary achievements will be the focus of this year's program. Thousands of exhibitors from 63 countries will participate this year, with the participation rate increasing by 10 percent comparing to the last year. Italy will be the country guest honour. Activities for adults and children will be spread over five key zones, including Creativity Corner, the Culture Programme, the Professional Programme, the Illustrator's Corner, and the Show Kitchen. In the Creativity Corner, children aged between 6 and 12 can enjoy a variety of activities while their parents buy books, while the Professional Programme offers interactive presentations and workshops on the Middle East market and culture, and also professionally oriented seminars and panel discussions. In the Illustrator's Corner people can benefit from group illustrations, story telling, calligraphy, and digital painting. "The activities across the zones range from children's handicrafts and smart learning to dedicated panel sessions with established and globally-recognized literary professionals. In addition, visitors get a unique opportunity to learn about the solid relationship shared between the UAE and this year's ADIBF Guest of Honour, Italy, through a rich programme of activities spanning the different zones of this year's ADIBF," Al Ali said. Visitors can also benefit by attending several workshops that will be available during the book fair, including workshops on theatre, smart learning, inner peace, science, handicrafts, and reading. Al Ali said the event would have a positive impact on the UAE's youth. "As they learn about the importance of a future steeped in a rich and creative culture. Through activities across the ADIBF programme that include live reading, drawing, and cooking exhibitions, children can explore the best that Arabic and Italian literature have to offer," he said. Organizers of the book fair are anticipating over 300,000 visitors during the seven days.
