The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) will participate in the 76th edition of the Frankfurt Book Fair, taking place in Frankfurt, Germany, from 16 to 20 October 2024. The Centre will present an integrated cultural programme that includes launching a global initiative, highlighting its projects and initiatives, showcasing its most notable publications, and forging new partnerships.
In collaboration with UAE newspaper "The National", ALC is organising the exhibition "50 Important Literary Works from the Arab World" as part of its participation in the Fair. The curated selection of fifty significant novels and poetry collections by prominent authors and poets from the Arab world will serve as a valuable reference for readers and the international publishing community.
Through the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, the Centre will host a reception for publishers, translators, authors, and strategic partners to network and foster partnerships. The Centre will also showcase its publications at its booth, highlighting the "Kalima" and "Esdarat" projects along with a selection of stories, novels, and travel books designed to appeal to a wide range of readers.
In collaboration with the cultural association "Litprom", the session "Philosophy in Islam: A Living History" will see Dr Frank Griffel, translator Stefan Weidner, and philosopher Ahmad Milad Karimi discuss the book "The Construction of Post-Classical Philosophy in Islam". This work highlights the rich legacy of Arab-Islamic philosophy and its significant influence on global thought.
In another session, "From Historical Foundations to Modern Narratives: The Evolution of Egyptian Literature", Dr Reem Bassiouney will discuss her historical novels set in medieval Egypt and will be joined by cultural historian Barbara Winkler and translator Stefan Weidner to explore the role of historical novels and the broader impact of literature.
His Excellency Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, said: "Our participation at the Frankfurt Book Fair is an opportunity to enhance communication and forge partnerships with cultural events and initiatives worldwide. It reflects the Centre's pivotal role in supporting the publishing sector, promoting the Arabic language globally, and highlighting it as a bridge between cultures. The Fair’s diverse international audience provides us with an opportunity to further expand the reach of ALC’s activities and publications and offers valuable chances to strengthen connections with leaders in the publishing industry and creative and literary professionals from around the world".
The ALC’s participation in the Frankfurt Book Fair will enable it to strengthen cooperation with publishers, industry professionals, specialists, and experts from the book industry, and provide an opportunity to introduce its latest projects to support the books and publishing. The event will also strengthen the role of the Arabic language as an intellectual and cultural bridge between different cultures.
The Frankfurt Book Fair is the world's largest book fair, bringing together some 7,500 publishers from over 100 countries to discuss the various challenges facing the publishing sector, with a particular focus on "digitalisation" and management of big data. The event will host a series of panel discussions, cultural and professional sessions, as well as pavilions, educational sessions, and showcases of internationally renowned books and authors.
