What is the main objective behind the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF)?
In the Arab world, book fairs are the hub, the heart and the soul of buying and selling literature. Without them, wonderful writers would sink into oblivion, devoid of an audience to appreciate their work. The Arab book trade is so scattered and weak; it lacks a solid distribution system, which means that talented authors may spend years slaving over a novel, only to have a few hundred copies printed and sold in a limited area. Thus, the ADIBF is particularly important because our main intention is to build a professional environment where publishers, agents, authors, and distributors can meet to network and exchange ideas. There’s no other book fair like it in the Arab world, and it’s our hope that, with ADIBF’s progression, the Arab book business will strengthen and grow as well. We’re planting the seeds of the trade tree, so to speak.
What makes Abu Dhabi the right location for your tree?
Well, as everyone knows the UAE is in a prime position politically for a connection between the East and West. What with ADACH’s fountain of support and the openness of the Emiratis, Abu Dhabi can build a strong bridge across worlds – one that will open the doors for Arab publishers and authors to gather the tools and resources they need, in addition to the international acclaim they deserve. Plus, book selection at the fair isn’t censored the way it would be at other Middle Eastern book fairs, where many publishers and authors can’t even get their foot in the door because of censorship.
So are you saying that authors attending ADIBF will not have to deal with censorship issues?
For the most part, no. Of course, we won’t support publishers bringing in pirated copies of books, and we also won’t allow authors expunging radical terrorist agendas, or putting forth content that would offend the local culture. But, honestly, that’s the same level of censorship you would find at book fairs anywhere around the world.
Do you suppose that low literacy rates in the Arab world hurt book sales?
Yes, in parts of the Middle East where no one can read, it’s very difficult to sell books. But in the Emirates, the literacy rate is quite high. The problem isn’t ability – it’s interest. People just aren’t motivated to pick up a book and read, so one of the ADIBF goals is to promote reading for fun. Keep your eyes peeled for the Book Bus!
Tell us more about the joint venture with the Frankfurt Book Fair…
The Frankfurt Book Fair is the granddaddy of all professional book fairs, and three years ago it took us under its wing as a new apprentice. This partnership is huge, even revolutionary, for the Arab book trade, because it swings the doors wide open for anyone involved in the Arab literary world. Guided by Frankfurt’s system, we offer seminars on a massive range of key topics: expanding the publishing trade, the importance of literary agents, latest book technology and e-trade, meet ‘n’ greets between Arab and non-Arab publishers. Unless you have both feet planted in the literary world, this might sound like a snooze fest to you, until you step back and see the larger picture. With these networking and educational tutorials, we’re laying the foundation for a thriving Arab book trade. We’re witnessing the start of something very special, and it’s an exciting time for us.
So let’s assume Average Joe shows up at the fair, and doesn’t have a burning desire to learn about the ‘importance of literary agents’. What goodies have you got to draw him in?
Tons! There will be book-signing hours with acclaimed writers from around the world, food sessions in the kitchen with cookbook authors, seminars on starting your own book club or writing a best-selling novel, live Arabic Poetry performances, and a kids’ book making and storytelling corner.
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair runs from March 2-7 at Adnec. For a full schedule rundown, including meet the author sessions and kids’ activities, check timeoutabudhabi.com.
