The Al Ain Book Fair, AABF, held at the Al Ain Convention Centre from 25th September, has now closed its 9th edition. The Book Fair, organised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, attracted 47,577 visitors, an increase of 10 percent over the previous year.

Throughout AABF, visitors were introduced to thousands of specialist literary, cultural and scientific titles presented by 90 exhibitors, itself an increase of 20 percent participation versus 2016. The event also hosted 200 events, consolidating its position as one of the most important cultural events centered on publishing, reading and knowledge development in the Al Ain Region.

Speaking on the occasion, Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director-General of the Department of Culture and Tourism, said, "The Book Fair has become a prominent event on the country’s cultural and intellectual map as it attracts those from across the seven emirates who are eager to read and who are thirsty for knowledge, whether they are UAE citizens or non-UAE residents. It also provides various groups with the necessary specialised knowledge in the fields of science, children's literature, novels, stories, poetry, heritage and translations, in addition to different academic and specialised references."

Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Acting Executive Director of the National Library Department at the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, said Al Ali added that the Al Ain Book Fair is an extension of the cultural and intellectual links that Abu Dhabi seeks to establish within the Emirati community, itself a part of the Department's vision and strategy to create society passionate about knowledge and culture.

This year's AABF has succeeded in attracting an impressive number of students, more than 21,000. During their visit, students were able to access the latest publications in the fields of literature, thought, poetry and history, in addition to a variety of academic and educational titles. They were also given the opportunity to meet their favourite Emirati writers and learn more about their latest literary works and publications.

Al Ain Book Fair also welcomed a number of selected Emirati writers and supported them through a comprehensive cultural programme, while also showcasing their intellectual and cultural output. The accompanying Cultural Programme was a key attraction for visitors, particularly since it focused on Emirati writers discussing various cultural and creative subjects and presenting these writers with a chance to meet readers and engage with them in a productive dialogue.