Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, TCA Abu Dhabi, has announced that the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates, will be the focus personality of the 25th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, ADIBF 2015, set to run from 7th to 13th May, at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre, ADNEC.
In a press conference held at the Cultural Foundation within the grounds of Qasr Al Hosn, Juma Al Qubaisi, ADIBF Director and Executive Director of the National Library, said, "ADIBF enjoys its current success thanks to the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed who had directed us to organise a book fair and opened its inaugural edition. The Silver Jubilee could not pass without remembering this great man who ignited the first spark of the UAE’s book industry and urged us to write and promote culture. Therefore, it is only natural that the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan be commemorated as ADIBF 2015 focus personality." Last year, ADIBF set the new tradition of selecting a key personality around which part of the parallel cultural programme revolves according to a unique approach that recognises influential Arabic and international figures who left their powerful imprint on culture and human development. In 2014, the cultural heritage of the renowned Arab poet Abu at-Tayyeb Al Mutanabbi was recognised.
Al Qubaisi pointed out that honouring the late Sheikh Zayed is a source of pride and an attempt to pay tribute to his legacy that laid the foundations for a civilised future in the UAE.
"As Emiratis, books enjoy such a special status in our lives due to Sheikh Zayed’s vision. This cultural legacy has inspired President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, particularly by underlining the necessity of continuous development and building a future based on knowledge, enlightenment and culture that will pave the way for more achievements, preserve UAE heritage and combine originality with modernity," added Al Qubaisi.
Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Secretary-General of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and Executive Director of the National Library, said, "In homage to the great Sheikh Zayed, the Silver Jubilee edition of ADIBF will feature seminars highlighting parts of his biography and achievements, as well as dedicated pavilions and publications that offer glimpses of Sheikh Zayed’s personality as a leader and the founder of the UAE. This programme will be accompanied by several cultural activities including a music concert, a poetry evening, art exhibitions and short documentaries, in addition to contemporary publications tracing the heritage of the UAE. A new publication reviewing the Fair’s history and detailing the cultural work and activities taking place at the Cultural Foundation that hosted the book fair in its beginnings will also be launched."