What's coming at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2018

CAIRO – 28 April 2018: The 2018 edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) began on April 25 and will run until May 1. Running for 28 consecutive years since 1981, the book fair offers a lively place for book lovers to gather and share their love of literature.

This year, Poland has been named the Guest Nation of Honor, which coincides with Poland celebrating its 100th year of independence. Over 1,000 years of Polish literature will be showcased at ADIBF, offering visitors a historical lesson in the long literary heritage of the nation. More than 20 Polish publishers, alongside translators, chefs and authors, will partake in the festival in order to partake in several events. A history of Muslims in Poland will also be given at the Polish Pavilion, allowing visitors an opportunity to learn about how they lived and influenced native Polish culture, and how they were influenced in turn.

Over a thousand exhibitors from 63 different countries will also be part of the festival, alongside nearly half a million books written in 35 languages. As if that wasn't enough, the festival also features 800 events across a wide variety of activities, ranging from seminars and panel discussions to theater, dance, cooking shows and much more.

Sheikh Zayed, the founding father of the UAE, is being honored as ADIBF's "Personality of the Year". Several talks will discuss his life and history, and how he shaped Emirati society. The start of the program will begin with a seminar titled "Zayed, the Nation-building Leader", which reviews the formation of the UAE. Other seminars will discuss Zayed's views of female empowerment, his cultural developments, his vision for the nation and more. A special seminar directed at children will focus on Zayed's passion for taming falcons.

Other noteworthy events include the "Illustrators Corner", which gathers 27 illustrators, famous painters, comic artists and more to showcase their work, while children can enjoy the "Sea Of Tales", an 800-square-meter area divided into three zones: Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Sinbad, and 1,001 Nights. Children's events include Polish workshops, Arabic puppet shows, conducting science experiments, games, book readings and more.