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The UK will be the country focus at the 2012 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which will run from 28th March to 2nd April next year at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
The ADIBF will work with the Publishers Association and the British Council over the next five months to put together a professional and cultural programme, offering debates as well as networking and B2B opportunities.
PA chief executive Richard Mollet said: "We are delighted that the UK has accepted the invitation to be Guest of Honour at the Abu Dhabi Book Fair. We have had a regular presence at the book fair in recent years and this is a significant step in cultivating the relationships between the UK and the Arab world. The UAE in particular presents the UK publishing sector with great opportunities and we look forward to forging stronger links with this sector at the book fair and beyond."
H E Jumaa Al Qubaisi, deputy director general of the national library and director of the Abu Dhabi international book fair, said: "We are honoured to welcome the UK publishers and trade visitors to an environment mutually conducive to networking and sharing of best practices between the Arab and UK book industry."
British Council director of literature Susie Nicklin said: "In a year when all eyes have been on the Arab World and there have been fewer literary gatherings there than usual, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair offers British and Arab writers a platform to meet and talk. We will showcase established authors and emerging talent as well as offering skills development workshops for students and practitioners."