Al Ain Book Festival Sees 73% Increase in Registrations

AL AIN: The Al Ain Book Festival 2024, organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), has experienced a notable 73% increase in publisher registration requests for its 15th edition. The event has received 260 registration requests, marking a 37% rise compared to the previous edition. Additionally, approximately 137 exhibitors have taken advantage of a 10% early bird discount offered by the ALC. According to Emirates News Agency, the ALC has also announced a modification in the festival dates, now scheduled from November 17 to 23, instead of the earlier planned November 18 to 24. This change accommodates adjustments in the venue's calendar. Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, emphasized the significance of the participation and the increasing number of publishers, which he believes reflects the success of the Centre's transformation initiative. This initiative aims to evolve book fairs into comprehensive events celebrating books as symbols of civilization in various forms, including arts and sci ences. The festival is designed to position the Arabic language as a cornerstone of the cultural industry, serving as a platform that unites families and community segments. This aligns with the leadership's directives to prioritize the Arabic language as a fundamental cultural identity pillar and a repository of values, traditions, and conduct rules foundational to the UAE's development journey. This year's festival will occupy a 2,472 square meter space, which was fully booked before the registration window closed on September 19, having opened on July 25. Remarkably, 75% of the booths were reserved within the first week. The annual festival celebrates Emirati and Arab creators with a diverse cultural program, featuring innovative activities and events for all community segments. It includes a special program celebrating folk poetry, performances, and discounts on notable publications. The previous year's festival featured 150 exhibitors showcasing around 60,000 titles across various fields and attracted over 95,000 visitors. Attendees benefited from around 400 events and over 500 workshops and educational entertainment programs tailored for children and youth.