UAE showcases its burgeoning literary scene at Frankfurt Book Fair

For all discussions about new publishing technologies, Frankfurt Book Fair is a traditional thing.

While delegates may spend their entire day listening to the latest features of the Spotify audiobook platform and donning virtual reality glasses to check out Turkey’s new and planned library and literature district, they prefer to talk, actually in eat bread.

That’s why some of the show’s most important events aren’t just appearances by star writers and politicians, but they’re either not mentioned on the show or are simply referenced.

These are the social receptions hosted by publishers and organizations large and small at their respective booths. A party to create new leads, offer invitations and start a new chapter of collaboration.

No wonder then, Ali bin Tamim Very comfortable at their party.

as president Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centerunder the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, he hosts such receptions every year – sowing the seeds for cooperation in the UAE and abroad.

These events feature authors, translators and international book fair officials.

Thursday’s reception, the second day of the five-day book fair, took place in an elegant booth inside the center’s fairgrounds.

German translator and Arabist Stefan Weidner and Frankfurt Book Fair Jurgen Boos were present, highlighting the Arabic Centre’s status as one of the Arab world’s leading cultural organisations.

“We are proud that the centre has been well received as its name has two important meanings.

“The first is from Abu Dhabi and the other is Arabic. We want to tell people that it has always and still is important,” Bin Tamim told Nationwide.

“We are here to talk about the future. This center is not only to preserve language, but to develop dictionaries in various ways in digital and online spaces.

“There’s no better way to talk about these kinds of conversations than in Frankfurt, the most influential book fair in the industry.”

Frankfurt effect

The impact of this open and closed discussion will be felt in Abu Dhabi when the City Book Fair returns next year from May 23-29 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Anticipating a bigger and better programme of cultural events, Bin Tamim has sent a team of Abu Dhabi Book Fair officials to Frankfurt.

“We’ve sent a team of young professionals here who have first-hand experience on how to create a compelling book fair,” he said.

“The purpose of this is not only to have a higher quality book fair, but ultimately to evolve it from a focus on buying and selling books to developing a culture of reading, a culture of authors and the creation of new and different cultural trends.”

build connection

Also looking to the future is Ahmed bin Rakad Amerias Chairman of Sharjah Books, he was responsible for most of the emirate’s major literary projects, such as the Mammoth Sharjah International Book Fair and Sharjah Publishing City.

and National After being received at a booth near the authorities, he described attending the Frankfurt Book Fair as a struggle against time and shoe leather.

“You walk so much every day and try to complete as many meetings as possible.

“By the end of the book fair, I will have over 150 sessions completed, and these conversations will form many of our plans now and for years to come.”

As the Frankfurt Book Fair returns to full capacity for the first time since 2019, attendance by thousands and Al Ameri’s active network has deterred that the book fair could be as effectively online or in a hybrid format as it was at the height of the pandemic.

“Although it’s called the publishing industry, what sets it apart from other industries is that it’s ultimately built on friendships, relationships and connections,” Al Ameri said.

“Face-to-face is the most efficient way to do business. Let me tell you this. I ended a meeting this morning, and in those minutes, we managed to achieve something our team couldn’t do online with Zoom and the phone for six months. After. That’s why coming here is ultimately worth it.

With the Abu Dhabi Language Centre, the Sharjah Book Authority and the UAE Publishers Association often occupying a chunk of real estate at events, strategically placed near the main entrance, the book fair is another opportunity for a united front to support the UAE’s literary boom.

“The UAE’s presence in Frankfurt has been in existence for decades and has grown exponentially,” Bin Tamim said.

“Our presence is not only to highlight the importance of Emirati and Arab culture to Germany. While it does create important cultural ties between the two countries, it also enhances many other cultures.”

Updated: October 21, 2022 at 6:02 pm