Ten-day event boasts 115 exhibitors and a rich public programme of workshops, musical performances, seminars, children’s activities and more

Al Ain, UAE, 25 September 2019:  Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Ain, Sheikh Hazza bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Undersecretary of the Court of the Abu Dhabi Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, yesterday inaugurated the 11th edition of Al Ain Book Fair. The annual event is organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and is taking place at the Al Ain Convention Centre until 3 October.

The inauguration was attended by His Excellency Saif Saeed Ghobash, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, and Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Acting Executive Director of the Dar Al Kutub Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, along with a number of journalists, writers and cultural figures. 

Sheikh Hazza bin Tahnoon toured the fair and visited the pavilions of participating publishing houses, perusing the books on show from the 115 exhibitors. This year’s event, having seen a 25% increase in exhibitor numbers, is offering more than 62,000 titles in both Arabic and English, with an emphasis on books and activities for children.

Sheikh Hazza bin Tahnoon also participated in some of the more than 300 activities on offer at this year's book fair, which include workshops, seminars, musical performances, cultural activities, and group discussions with prominent Emirati and UAE-resident authors, artists, and intellectuals. 

He praised the organisation of Al Ain Book Fair and singled it out for playing a vital role in bolstering the UAE’s publishing industry. 

Sheikh Hazza bin Tahnoon said, 'The Al Ain Book Fair is an important addition to Al Ain's profound history, heritage and culture, by bringing together top Emirati authors to present their latest work.”  

Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Acting Executive Director of the Dar Al Kutub Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, commented, 'This year, we have been committed to promoting Al Ain Book Fair as the premier destination for Emirati and UAE-based intellectuals and pioneers of the arts, culture, and literary arenas. We have also secured a selection of the most fascinating and dynamic local experts, specialists, and artists to participate in this year’s activities, to provide our visitors with the richest possible experience.'

Al Ali explained that the fair's 11th edition is focused on the importance of e-books, and the impact of this rapidly evolving technology on society. He pointed to the constant engagement with publishing houses, visitors, writers, and authors participating in this year’s fair. 

Al Ain Book Fair is open until 3 October, Saturday to Thursday from 9am - 1pm and 5pm - 9pm. On Fridays, opening hours are 5pm - 10pm. Entrance to the fair is free of charge and open to all members of the public. For more information, please visit: www.adbookfair.com.