Abu Dhabi International Book Fair opens today

April seems to be a hectic month for the publishing industry, recently concluded London Book Fair is quickly followed by the 23rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair which opens today. Over 1000 exhibitors from 50 countries are participating at this year’s fair. Fair authorities say that exhibitor numbers are up by 13% this year.

25 Apr 2013 | By Mihir Joshi

Apple Publishing, DC Books, Delhi Press, Goyal Brothers Prakashan, Jaico, Other Books, Parragon, Sterling Publishers are some of the prominent publishers exhibiting at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

 Most of the Indian exhibitors represent education and children’s books publication space, which are in demand in West Asia and Africa. 

The National Book Trust will also showcase a representation of books from India at its stand. NCBA Exports, which has a good customer base in West Asia, is also taking part.

In the eZone and service providers area, dedicated for new technology, digital content and publishing services, two participants from India will showcase their product/service: Hurix Systems and Integral DMS. Both companies offer a range of online publishing services, including ebook conversions.

The fair’s agenda of panel discussions, presentations, talks, and networking opportunities is even more diverse this year. A line-up of over 30 sessions, which will bring together nearly 50 professional speakers, market leaders will discuss opinions and ideas on contemporary publishing issues.

The sessions at the Professional Programme covers wide-ranging issues, from ebooks, apps, education technology, development of markets, start-ups in publishing and role of libraries—to coffee table/art/illustrated books’ markets in GCC countries, and academic books in the Arab world.

The Cultural Programme will feature an impressive list, among them eminent novelists, poets, graphic artists, essayists, social entrepreneurs—hailing from the Middle East, Europe and Asia, North Africa and North America.