The 26th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) concluded on Tuesday evening in the UAE capital, closing the curtain to a unique edition by all standards. The fair, organized by the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), was held from April 27 until May 3, 2016, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. This year witnessed a celebration of Italy as the Guest of Honour, and Ibn Rushd as the personality of the year. While TCA Abu Dhabi has announced the selection of China as the Guest of Honor next year at the 27th edition of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director of Library Management at TCA Abu Dhabi, stressed that this edition was remarkable and distinctive at all levels, noting that it was attended by 1,261 publishers from 63 countries, who presented the best literary, intellectual, cultural, scientific, and economic publications, as well as various science and educational books. The exhibition attracted more than 272,320 visitors of all ages, who are keen readers of poetry, literature, and culture. The fair was characterized by unique activities and events related to different cultures and civilizations. Al Ali added that the book fair is a pioneering intellectual and cultural event that aims to introduce new books, publications, and translated versions. It also allows readers to meet with authors, publishers, and other stakeholders in the knowledge industry. The fair was marked by unprecedented intellectual and cultural momentum and included more than 507 cultural events that attracted 612 pioneers of thought, literature, poetry, culture, and publishing. They participated in the professional program including seminars dedicated to publishers, book agents, distributors, booksellers, translators, and the public.
