The 31st Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) , has seen participation from an impressive 1,130 international, regional and local publishing houses representing more than 80 countries – some of which have brought with them rare literary treasures to delight visitors.

Attendees at the fair, which has been organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, have been able to see the stunning ‘Golden Quran’, a precious and unique 11th century tome consisting of 184 gold-coated pages. A truly one-of-a-kind item, it is one of the oldest preserved Quran editions in existence. This invaluable holy book is on display at the Adeva bookstall alongside other magnificent examples of the art of Islamic calligraphy.

A rare 16th century book valued for Dh 11 million was presented by French Library Claverell. Written in 1550, the book contains images of rare and valuable bird species.

Those who like a bit of local history could find the first printed record of Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the fair’s Antiquariaat Forum stall. On display was the Viaggio dell'Indie Orientali by the Venetian jeweller Gasparo Balbi, detailing his nine-year voyage from Venice to the Far East between 1579 and 1588, during which Balbi visited the Arabian Gulf region.

At the Le Prince Art Consultancy booth, world travellers and geography fans could peruse one of the most spectacular illuminated atlases in existence. Bound in two volumes, the atlas comprises two engraved allegorical frontispieces and 226 double-page engraved maps. All the maps are fully hand-coloured and finished with gold-leaf, with decorative flair which far surpasses what is encountered in the other Dutch atlases.