The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair in the United Arab Emirates is scheduled for May 23-29 as a hybrid event, with both virtual events and a live exhibition at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. This is the 30th year of the event, which offers grant support for literary translations and features presentations from the winners of the Sheik Zayed Book Award, as well as the announcement of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction.
"After a challenging year for the whole publishing community, we are delighted to host the physical book fair next month and pleased with the large numbers of distinguished speakers who will be participating," said Dr Ali bin Tamim, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and secretary-general of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award.
The in-person events will largely be limited to local publishers and exhibitors, with Germany serving as the guest of honor. The 2022 fair will feature a more extensive line-up of German authors, as well as international guests.
Among this year's speakers is author Mitch Albom, who is appearing on the program with English historian Bettany Hughes, German children's author Paul Maar. Publishing figures on the program include Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, president of the International Publishers Association, and Juergen Boos, director of the Frankfurt Book Fair.
