Split across six interactive sections, the Creativity Corner at the 26th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF 2016) is dedicated to providing fun, educational, and immersive activities for children visiting this year's event. Curated in collaboration with key public and private educational institutions, the Theatre Section, Smart Learning Section, Inner Peace Section, Science Section, Art & Craft Section, and the Reading Section are tailor-made for some of ADIBF 2016's youngest visitors, aged 6-12. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, ADIBF is organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and runs until 3 May 2016 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). "The 26th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair prioritises the growth of our children and the future of our community with a programme that engages both their critical thinking skills and passion for fun-filled activities," said Mohamed Al Shehhi, Director of Research & Publication at TCA Abu Dhabi. "We are delighted to give children critical opportunities to indulge their curiosity, discover new passions, and enjoy the company of family and friends in an intellectually-stimulating environment," Al Shehhi added. Creativity Corner workshops are held during two shifts on each day of ADIBF 2016: one in the morning from 9:30 am – 1:00 pm, and another in the evening from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. The Theatre Section features a variety of activities and events to bring the actors and actresses out from the crowd. Workshops of note include Italian company Circus Dimidimitri, who, in partnership with the Franco Agostino Teatro Festival from Crema in Italy, will dazzle with dynamic 15-minute acrobatic and juggling performances, while the ‘Theatre is Teamwork and Fun' workshop teaches participants how to use proper breathing, voice, and teamwork exercises. The Smart Learning Section, jointly managed by The Applied Technology High School and The Secondary Technical School, offers children the opportunity to learn about solar energy, hydrogen fuel, and robotic technology alongside teachers and students. Sessions challenge budding scientists to design Lego solar cars, hydrogen fuel cars, and pinball machines, to name a few. Children can also learn new techniques for relaxing both mind and body at the Inner Peace Section, which features a wide variety of workshops by key specialists. Dr. Andrei Harabor, Adda van Zanden, Elke Jacobs-Sharma, and Joachim Reiss will take visitors on an introspective journey that reminds participants of the importance of balancing energy, communicating with others, and finding peace through music. The Science Section, which is also managed by The Applied Technology High School and The Secondary Technical School, features workshops that indulge scientific curiosities. Fire, electricity, metals, and a plethora of chemical experiments — all in a safe setting — await visitors. Children with a penchant for the arts will relish the Art & Craft Section, which is stocked with workshops that involve drawing, sculpting, recycled designing and coffee painting across the remaining six days of ADIBF 2016. The Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalid Al Nahyan Association for Future Generations, a national cultural foundation dedicated to foster cultural growth, provides workshops to facilitate activities centred on literacy in the Reading Section. Storytelling, narration, and rhythm-reading are just a few of the activities on offer for youngsters. The region's fastest-growing book fair, ADIBF 2016 hosts 1,260 exhibitors from 63 countries, including 600 authors and more than 20 artists. The exhibition space at ADNEC has expanded by 10% compared to the hugely successful silver jubilee edition in 2015, increasing to 31,962 square metres and facilitating greater opportunities to further the vision and objectives of the UAE's ongoing Year of Reading 2016 initiative. ADIBF 2016 takes place from April 27 to 3 May.
