Abu Dhabi International Book Fair to return in May as a live event

Written by:
Miles Buckeridge
15th April 2021

The 2021 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will be held from May 23-29…

For some, Kindles, e-Readers and other forms of virtual book just aren’t capable of capturing the same magic, that comes from the pages of a traditional paperbound book.

The same can be said for virtual events. It’s an inescapable fact that they were a necessity throughout the height of the pandemic, purely to protect the public. But for many of the patrons attending in pixelated form, the experience just couldn’t quite match that buzz of a live, boots-on-the-ground festival.

In great news for fans of real books, and in-person events, the dates for the 2021 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair have just been announced, along with confirmation that it will be (at least mostly), a physical festival.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the 30^th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) will take place between May 23 and May 29 of this year.

What’s On

The event will take place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and will include programmes and seminars hosted by a library of accomplished authors and publishers.

As part of a commitment to maximising inclusivity the event will also offer support to publishers in getting works translated.

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Precautionary tales

Of course there will be all the usual safety measures and public health requirements firmly put in place to safeguard visitors and exhibitors at the fair. Applied with the same rigour that saw Abu Dhabi recognised as the world’s top city for handling the pandemic.

Speaking about the announcement, HE Saood Al Hosani, Undersecretary of Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT) said: “While last year’s virtual edition featured an extensive programme of online events, we are pleased to be able to offer stakeholders and visitors a physical event once again.”

“Our commitment to organising the 30^th edition of the fair at ADNEC reinforces the readiness of Abu Dhabi to host major events while working to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants and visitors.”