Al Ain Book Festival 2024 Experiences Significant 73% Increase In Publisher Registrations

The Al Ain Book Festival 2024, organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), has witnessed a notable rise in publisher registration requests for its 15th edition. The event has received 260 requests, marking a 37% increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, approximately 137 exhibitors benefited from a 10% early bird discount offered by the ALC.

This year's festival will now take place from 17th to 23rd November, instead of the initially planned dates of 18th to 24th November. The change accommodates adjustments in the venue's schedule. Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, stated, "The strong participation in the Al Ain Book Festival, along with the growing number of publishers and their publications, reflects the success of the Centre’s transformation mechanism, which aims to transform book fairs into a comprehensive event that celebrates books as an authentic symbol of civilisation in its various forms, including arts and sciences."

The festival aims to highlight the Arabic language as a key element of cultural identity and industry. It serves as a platform for families and community members to engage with cultural content. This aligns with leadership directives prioritising Arabic as a core part of cultural identity and values upon which the UAE was founded.

Dr. bin Tamim further noted that "The Al Ain Book Festival has successfully embodied the Centre’s integrated vision, designed to support ambitious objectives to sustain and develop the local publishing sector." The event is set on a 2,472 square metre area that was fully booked before registration closed on 19th September. Registration had opened on 25th July, with 75% of booths reserved within the first week.

Each year, the Al Ain Book Festival honours Emirati and Arab creators through a varied cultural programme. This includes innovative activities and events catering to all community segments. The festival also features a special programme celebrating folk poetry alongside performances and discounts on significant publications.

Last year's festival saw participation from 150 exhibitors who showcased around 60,000 titles across different fields. The event attracted over 95,000 visitors who enjoyed approximately 400 events along with more than 500 workshops and educational entertainment programmes for children and youth.

The festival's success underscores its role in promoting literature and culture while supporting local publishing initiatives. By bringing together diverse community segments, it continues to foster appreciation for literature and cultural heritage.

With inputs from WAM