The 31st Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) continues to cement the event’s reputation as an intellectual and creative space for all segments of society, with fun and thought-provoking experiences on offer for visitors of all ages. Children have been especially catered to with a host of skill-building and artistic activities and educational sessions, as well as a wide range of books and publications.

Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the fair offers young people an exciting and stimulating day out, with an experience designed to expand their knowledge and advance their mental and physical abilities. Across the 26,814 square metre exhibition space, play areas have been set up for children alongside various other facilities to engage, provoke and stimulate young minds.

Throughout the fair, publishers have educational books, games, posters and more on display, to draw the attention of children who are presented with endless diversions at the event. Publishers specialised in children’s literature have offered various activities ranging from educational games and creative exercises to storytelling sessions to engage their young audience.

Children are attracted by what is new and bright, said veteran publisher Bassam Shabaro, Founder and Director of Dar Thaqafa Publishing and Distribution. “They love the brightly coloured books with attractive drawings produced by the global education chains, and educational stories with animals,” he said.

The role of publishers, said Bilal Antal of Rowad Al-Majd Publishers, is to present simple, purposeful books that cater to children’s intellect and emotions. “Children are smart, and know what they want, so publishing houses present books that drive curiosity and awaken the imagination, in addition to those which educate children about the Arab values ​​that our parents and grandparents were raised on,” Antal said.

Maryam Moussa, Director of Programmes at Nabati Publishers, believes that a child can reach the minds of his or her peers.

“We have a number of young writers who are very easily able to reach children with stories and themes that are close to their minds and hearts, because they use simpler language than an adult would use,” she said, “We are proud to present educational stories that demonstrate the values ​​of our society and support our national identity.”

Educational games that teach children through play have become a globally popular, said Aya Abu Madi from Smart Skills Company. “Children can have fun while learning to solve problems, thinking outside the box, and experiencing teamwork,” she explained.

Overall, many publishers at the fair emphasised the need to understand children’s visions of the world in order to succeed in breaking through and connecting with this valuable young audience.