Seventh ‘Al Ain Reads Book Show' Draws Huge Turnout

• Vibrant Cultural Expo Concludes at Al Ain Convention Centre on 11 October
• Hosts 70 Exhibitors, 30,000 Visitors and Features more than 60,000 Titles

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 10 October, 2015 - The seventh Al Ain Reads Book Show, currently underway at Al Ain Convention Centre (AACC), owned by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), has attracted thousands of book lovers of all ages keen to browse through the massive collection of latest titles on diverse topics.

Wrapping up on Sunday, 11 October, 2015, the show has drawn the participation of more than 70 exhibitors, up from 25 in the previous edition, and showcases over 60,000 titles across subjects ranging from science to literature and culture. More than 30,000 visitors have attended the show that is 20 per cent larger than the 2014 edition.

Supporting the local publishing industry in the UAE, the show has witnessed remarkable growth since inception, and serves as a link to connect the UAE authors from Al Ain with their counterparts from across the country. Additionally, it offers a carnival setting for families and allows parents to engage their children in various activities that motivate them to read and learn.

In addition to giving book lovers in Al Ain an opportunity to browse through various titles in Arabic and English, the show hosts a series of educational, entertainment and awareness programmes and activities tailored for both children and adults.

Families, schools and university students consider the Al Ain Reads Book Show an important opportunity for cultural networking due to the participation of prominent poets from the UAE and abroad. All the activities and events of the show are open to the general public, and those with a flair for poetry are also invited to showcase their skills at the exhibition’s open literary sessions.

Students of all age groups visiting the show have an opportunity to explore Emirati culture and heritage through attending various interactive storytelling, quiz and handicraft sessions. Also on the agenda are seminars, panel discussions, poetry readings and book signing events. A dedicated creativity corner hosts a series of activities aimed at encouraging children to read.

Obaid Al Shamsi, Director, AACC, said: “The Al Ain Reads Book Show has now become an annual fixture that celebrates books and book lovers in the city of Al Ain. Every year this show only grows from strength to strength, and is one vibrant cultural event we all wait for. Today the event assumes even greater significance with the UAE working to shape a knowledge economy.

“AACC has mobilised our entire team to work round-the-clock to ensure the convenience of visitors to the Al Ain Reads Book Show. We are confident that everyone visiting the event will make the most of this opportunity to get their fill of all things cultural and literary. The exhibition also hosts morning sessions to ensure hassle-free visits for school students and senior citizens.”

Al Shamsi added: “Today AACC has emerged as a major hub for important business events, and figures prominently on the list of the world’s leading event organisers, attracting delegates and tourists from around the world. AACC perfectly complements our mandate at the Abu Dhabi Exhibitions Company to enhance the development of the MICE sector in Al Ain and augment its contribution to the overall business tourism landscape, in addition to increasing visitor numbers to AACC and boosting hotel occupancy rates in Al Ain.

“As part of our long-term strategic goals, we aim to step-up the impact of business tourism on the economy of Al Ain through continued enhancements in the exhibitions hosted by AACC. We are confident our efforts will attract more event organisers to Al Ain. In addition, we will focus on developing the skills of our national workforce specifically targeted at the exhibition industry.”