Category: UAE News

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UAE backs GCC efforts to enhance intra-regional trade

Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi confirmed that the UAE is committed to supporting the GCC’s efforts in boosting regional integration and prosperity…reports Asian Lite News

UAE Minister for Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi has led a high-level UAE delegation at the 66th GCC Trade Cooperation Committee meeting in Doha yesterday.

The meeting sought to enhance the GCC economic landscape by promoting regional trade opportunities, supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs, establishing new frameworks for investment and advancing progress on the GCC Commercial Arbitration Center. The session also explored potential amendments to commercial laws on consumer protection, competition regulations, e-commerce, and digital trade.

The UAE delegation included Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy; Abdullah Sultan Al Fan Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy for the Control and Commercial Governance Sector; and Juma Mohammed Al Kait, Assistant Undersecretary for International Trade Affairs.

Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi confirmed that the UAE is committed to supporting the GCC’s efforts in boosting regional integration and prosperity, stating that it serves the interests of all member states, enhances the competitiveness of local businesses, and fosters partnerships in key economic sectors.

He said: “We very much welcome the Trade Cooperation Committee’s ongoing efforts to boost the regional business environment, particularly in regards to attracting foreign investment, prioritizing support for SMEs, expediting business startup programs, easing export procedures, amending the rules and regulations governing trade, and promoting investment flows among member nations under the GCC Free Trade Agreement. It’s clear the committee’s work will help generate investment prospects for local entrepreneurs and project owners and enhance the sustainability, growth, and global competitiveness of GCC economies.”

During comprehensive discussions on ways to invigorate the GCC business landscape and foster collaboration frameworks among member states, the committee highlighted the need to streamline import and export processes and prioritize GCC SMEs in government tenders.

The Committee also deliberated on various mechanisms to assist to the region’s entrepreneurs. These strategies include implementing training programs, facilitating the exchange of expertise and experiences, promoting investment and partnerships, initiating business accelerator and establishment programs, as well as facilitating the registration of patents across all member states. The objective is to harness the growth enablers of the private sector.

The meeting emphasized the significance of establishing an investment committee that will focus on the advancement of local and intra-regional investments, attracting FDI and fostering partnerships with regional economic blocs and organizations. In addition to benefiting member states and their economies, an investment committee will also create opportunities for cooperation with GCC partners and investment ecosystem stakeholders.

The Committee members reviewed the most recent advancements in the Commercial Arbitration Center, and assessed amendments to the commercial laws and regulations in GCC member states that are seeking to keep pace with technological advancements and economic shifts, particularly in areas such as the regulation of competition and consumer protection. The Committee also highlighted the importance of establishing a unified GCC legislation for commercial franchising, which would effectively regulate the legal relationship between franchisors and franchisees. Ultimately, this initiative aims to promote trademark and franchise expansion among member states.

Another area of focus was the establishment of a legislative framework for electronic and digital commerce among the GCC countries, ensuring adherence to the procedural regulations of each country. The objective is to promote and strengthen electronic and digital commerce within the member states’ markets. Additionally, there is an emphasis on leveraging their collective expertise in this field.

The Committee also evaluated the arrangements for the second China-GCC Economic and Trade ministerial meeting. It discussed preparations for the accompanying forum, as well as planning for the first session of the China-GCC Forum on Industrial and Investment cooperation, which will be hosted by China this month. The goal of these meetings is to enhance economic and trade collaboration, particularly in areas such as investment, industry, and technology. Additionally, these efforts aim to establish a free trade agreement between China and the GCC, which would benefit both parties.

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FERNANDO JORGE : A Luminary in High Jewelry Debuts at Sotheby’s Dubai

Fernando Jorge’s unique showcase in Dubai marks a notable shift in the preferences of luxury jewelry enthusiasts in the UAE, who were treated to an exclusive preview of his latest creations … writes Soniya Kirpalani;  Images/ Video Santosh Rai; Showcasing till May 3, 2024

The Middle East luxury gold and diamond market is a significant economic force, currently valued at USD 33.14 billion in 2023 and projected to reach USD 53.72 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.15%. In recent years, it has been witnessing a transformative shift, with the showcasing of exceptional pieces, at esteemed platforms like Sotheby’s. Careful curation of rare talent, using high design, where innovation and imagination is crafted with artistry is an emerging niche. This underscores the growing importance of design innovation and the introduction of new, talents who bring fresh perspectives to traditional crafts and are reimagining it in a more contemporary context, delighting global customers of UAE.

Perfect positioning is all about creating brand-worth and highlighting the intrinsic value of precious metals and gems meeting art. For Sotheby’s Dubai, who curate and provide a platform to extraordinary talent, is not just about selling jewelry; it’s promoting the value of art and design in wearable form. This substantial and growing market highlights UAE’s deep-rooted appreciation for luxury and finely crafted jewelry, as well as a keen eye for art. This creates an ideal environment for designer Fernando Jorge. Born in Brazil, Made in London, Jorge’s first showcasing this April-May 2024, is a solo exhibition at Sotheby’s Dubai. This a mark not only of Jorge’s unique vision and heralds a significant evolution of the luxury jewelry buyers of UAE who were invited to preview some of his exclusive pieces.

In the opulent world of high jewelry, where tradition and big brand names have dominated, young Brazilian jeweler Fernando Jorge brings a breath of vibrant innovation. What delights is Jorge’s approach to jewelry is akin to that of a sculptor. Each piece is a studied play of volume, texture, and color, challenging the traditional paradigms of high jewelry.  His palette is vibrant, filled with an array of diamonds, and more unconventional materials like Brazilian river pebbles, fossilized amber, even wooden textured pieces. Jorge’s method—melding the humble with the precious—creates not just jewelry, but stories worn on the skin. The epitome of meticulous craftsmanship s mastered over a decade, transcending conventional jewelry and taking center stage was ‘jeweled art’. A well-attended event, where socialites from across all nationalities were in attendance, we witnessed the contemporary meet classics as new stories were emerging from the timeless shores of Dubai.

Sotheby’s Dubai, Fernando Jorge
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Dubai to host Integrate Middle East 2024 next month

Integrate Middle East 2024, the only professional audio-visual (Pro AV) and media technology exhibition, aims to optimise the digital signage systems…reports Asian Lite News

The second edition of Integrate Middle East exhibition is set to be held from 21st to 23rd May 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, and will be co-located with CABSAT’s 30th anniversary of the long-running trade event for the media industry sector.

Integrate Middle East 2024, the only professional audio-visual (Pro AV) and media technology exhibition, aims to optimise the digital signage systems which are the major factors driving the Pro-AV market’s growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

According to the Data Bridge Market Research, the global Pro AV market was valued at US$3.2 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12 per cent to reach US$7.92 billion by 2029. One of the key drivers of this growth forecast in this market is the rapid expansion of digital signage systems, a digital installation that displays video or multimedia content for informational or advertising reasons.

Furthermore, the market for digital signage in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is also surging and accounts for more than 3 per cent of revenue share.

Janne lee, Marketing Director of Shenzhen iDisplay Technology Co. Ltd., stated, “We look forward to participating at the second edition of Integrate Middle East as we will be launching our new product, CrystalFlex LED Flexible Transparent Film Display, a 360-degree curve screen. We expect to witness more interactive learning zones, state-of-the-art digital art installations, and the launch of various cutting-edge products and services. Additionally, we are excited to showcase our array of cutting-edge technologies that hold the immense potential to transform the digital signage market.”

Digital signage has become an integral part of the Pro AV market. By combining digital signage and AV technologies, brands are offered the ability to deliver dynamic content with captivating graphics and interactive features, going beyond static displays. Digital signage and audiovisual technology work together to produce a powerful medium that allows companies to narrate their stories using compelling and impactful visuals.

In its second edition, Integrate ME will offer valuable networking opportunities as well as feature numerous educational seminars and workshops to emphasise the growing popularity of interactive digital signage systems. These seminars are expected to help participants forge new partnerships and provide insightful knowledge to help their businesses grow in the rapidly evolving digital signage market, all while enhancing customer experiences and fostering innovation.

Jassim N P, Director of Unilumin Group Middle East and Africa, commented, “We are thrilled to announce our participation in the second edition of the Integrate Middle East, which is expected to revolutionise digital signage in the region. Unilumin LED signage offers exceptional visual experiences in a variety of indoor and outdoor applications for retail, hospitality, entertainment, stadiums, playgrounds, corporate, banking, healthcare, education, and transport facilities, ranging from exciting concerts and sporting events to mission-critical control rooms and ever-changing outdoor environments.”

It is anticipated that this year’s edition of the Integrate ME will set the standard for innovation in the Pro AV space by showcasing cutting-edge concepts and solutions from industry experts across the world as well as providing insights into market trends and best practices. Throughout the Integrate ME 2024, visitors will be offered opportunities to explore innovative products and solutions for digital signage, command and control rooms, live events, and smart buildings from global Pro AV technology companies.

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Remote learning in Dubai as UAE to get more rains

 The Joint Weather and Tropical Assessment Team have met to discuss recent weather developments and their potential impact on the country….reports Asian Lite News

Dubai Government Tuesday announced that all private schools in the emirate will transfer to remote learning on Thursday and Friday (2nd and 3rd May 2024) due to weather conditions.

The decision was taken today during the meeting of Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management which reviewed the plan to address the potential impact of the upcoming weather forecast. The goal is to ensure the highest safety and security for the community.

 The Joint Weather and Tropical Assessment Team have met to discuss recent weather developments and their potential impact on the country.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) led the meeting, which included representatives from the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) and other competent government departments.

They emphasised the importance of maintaining business continuity plans and closely monitoring the ongoing weather situation to ensure public safety and minimise disruptions.

The NCM reported that the current weather event is less severe than the previous one, expecting country to experience local convective rain clouds during the day from today, Tuesday, until tomorrow, Wednesday. There is a possibility of small hail falling in the eastern regions and extending to some internal and western regions. From Wednesday night to Thursday, the NCM expects moderate to heavy rain to fall in scattered areas, accompanied by occasional lightning and thunder. There is also a possibility of small hail, concentrated in the western regions, on the coasts, and in some eastern areas.

On Friday and Saturday, cloud quantities will decrease, with the possibility of continuing light to medium rain, which may be heavy in some southern and eastern regions.

For their part, the MoI affirmed that the Supreme Committee for Internal Security, headed by the Undersecretary of the Ministry, is maintaining full coordination with the Joint Weather and Tropical Assessment Team, continuously monitoring the developments and updates of the weather situation, to assess all expected impacts of the situation and its consequences on the areas that may be affected by the country, especially since the country is passing through the recovery phase from the previous weather situation.

The Ministry pointed out that it has taken all proactive measures to support response operations, with the necessary resources and capabilities in the areas that are likely to be affected by the weather situation, which is expected to have a moderate to high impact on different parts of the country, in addition to the readiness of response plans and business continuity plans for vital sectors.

Prioritising the safety of the community and protecting lives and property, the MoI urges the public to exercise caution, adhere to safety standards and guidelines, comply with the directives of the competent authorities, refrain from circulating rumours, and rely on official sources for information.

In preparation for the weather conditions, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has taken all necessary measures to ensure the safety of infrastructure, notably roads, as well as the safety of dams, while enhancing their efficiency in water storage. These measures include draining water to reduce pressure and accommodate new rainfall, and cleaning water drains. The Ministry affirmed that the advanced systems and modern technologies used in dam management play a vital role in enhancing their efficiency and enabling rapid decision-making during the monitoring of rainwater flows, floods, and flash floods in valleys.

The Ministry further emphasised the utilisation of modern technology in the process of analysing and calculating water flow rates, quantities, and depths with high accuracy. This data is then transmitted to the Ministry’s control and monitoring unit for processing and analysis.

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 UAE banks’ investments reach historic high

According to the Central Bank, bank investments increased by 2 percent on a monthly basis compared to AED640.1 billion in January 2024…reports Asian Lite News

UAE banks’ investments exceeded the AED650 billion mark by the end of February 2024, reaching its highest level in history, according to the latest statistics from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE).

Statistics from the Central Bank, released in today’s Banking Indicators Report, showed a 20.6 percent year-on-year increase in investments of banks operating in the country, reaching AED652.7 billion by the end of February 2024, compared to about AED541.4 billion in February 2023, an increase equivalent to AED111.3 billion over 12 months.

According to the Central Bank, bank investments increased by 2 percent on a monthly basis compared to AED640.1 billion in January 2024, an increase equivalent to AED12.6 billion in one month. Additionally, they increased by about 2.9 percent since the beginning of the current year, or the equivalent of AED18.3 billion, compared to about AED634.4 billion at the end of the previous year.

As of the maturity date, held-to-maturity bonds accounted for the largest share of bank investments, reaching approximately 49.1 percent with a value of AED320.6 billion by the end of February 2024. This represented a monthly increase of 3.02 percent and a yearly increase of about 39.2 percent.

Banks’ investments in securities representing debts to others, specifically “debt bonds,” constituted around 40.9 percent of total investments, reaching AED267 billion by the end of February 2024. This marked a monthly increase of about 1.3 percent and a yearly increase of 7.3 percent.

Bank investments in stocks reached AED15.8 billion in February 2024, indicating a yearly increase of approximately 31.7 percent compared to AED12 billion in February 2023. However, there was a monthly decrease of 1.25 percent compared to around AED16 billion in January 2024.

Other investments for banks amounted to approximately AED49.3 billion at the end of February 2024, which is the same figure recorded in the previous month of January.

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With 286 medals, UAE leads Gulf Youth Games

Saudi Arabia secured second place with 136 medals…reports Asian Lite News

 The UAE extended its lead of the first Gulf Youth Games 2024, tallying 286 medals, including 93 gold, 100 silver, and 93 bronze.

Held across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Fujairah, under the theme “Our Gulf is One… Our Youth is Promising”, the event saw delegations from GCC countries compete and depart on Wednesday.

The Games not only strengthened bonds among GCC nations but also highlighted the importance of making such events regular, bolstering sports and nurturing athletes in the region.

Saudi Arabia secured second place with 136 medals, followed by Kuwait with 116 medals, Qatar with 72, Bahrain with 71, and Oman with 58.

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CBUAE’s February balance sheet hits record Dh750b

On a monthly basis, the central bank’s balance sheet increased by 1.8 percent or AED13 billion, compared to AED734.61 billion in January 2024….reports Asian Lite News

The balance sheet of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) reached the AED750 billion mark at the end of last February, marking a historic milestone, as per the balance sheet report for February 2024 released yesterday.

The report highlighted a notable 32.5 percent annual surge in the Central Bank’s general budget, reaching AED747.62 billion by the end of last February, compared to approximately AED564.25 billion in February 2023, reflecting a substantial increase of AED183.4 billion.

On a monthly basis, the central bank’s balance sheet increased by 1.8 percent or AED13 billion, compared to AED734.61 billion in January 2024.

According to the statistics, allocations of the Central Bank’s balance sheet assets included AED321.21 billion for cash and bank balances in February, approximately AED219.75 billion in investments, AED174.27 billion in deposits, AED1.83 billion in loans and advances, and AED30.56 billion in other assets.

On the liabilities and capital side, the balance sheet comprised AED318.46 billion for current and deposit accounts, around AED257 billion for Treasury bills and Islamic certificates of deposit, AED139.36 billion for issued banknotes and coins, AED16.98 billion for capital and reserves, and AED5.82 billion for other liabilities.

Dh203b increase in foreign assets

The total foreign assets of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) surpassed the AED700 billion mark at the end of February 2024, for the first time in its history, with an increase of AED203 billion over the past year according to the latest statistics from the bank.

The statistics released indicate that the foreign assets of the Central Bank increased by 2 percent on a monthly basis from AED 695.04 billion in January 2024 to AED708 billion at the end of February 2024, representing an increase of AED13 billion.

The foreign assets of the Central Bank increased annually by 40.2 percent, compared to AED505.1 billion in February 2023, with an increase of approximately AED202.9 billion over 12 months. Moreover, they increased by about 4 percent or AED27 billion since the beginning of the current year, compared to approximately AED681.15 billion at the end of 2023.

The Central Bank’s statistics attributed the increase in foreign asset volume to the rise in current account balances & deposits with banks abroad, with an annual increase of 51 percent to AED467.56 billion at the end of last February, compared to around AED 309.9 billion in February 2023.

Foreign investments within the Central Bank’s foreign assets amounted to approximately AED189.37 billion at the end of last February, marking a year-on-year increase of about 28.9 percent from AED146.9 billion in February 2023, representing an increase equivalent to AED42.5 billion.

The Central Bank’s statistics further indicated that other foreign assets reached AED51.12 billion at the end of last February, growing by approximately 5.8 percent annually compared to about AED48.31 billion in February 2023, with an increase equivalent to AED 2.8 billion.

The Central Bank noted that its foreign assets excludes CBUAE’s Reserve Tranche Position (RTP) & SDR Holdings with the IMF.

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UAE pushes for swift de-escalation in Middle East

Convened on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, the six-party Arab Ministerial meeting alongside US Secretary of State delved into the evolving situation in the Middle East region…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE has underscored the pressing challenges confronting the Middle East, emphasising the need for heightened regional and international collaboration in bolstering the comprehensive peace process based on the two-state solution.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in the six-party Arab Ministerial meeting alongside US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.

The meeting also included His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar; Ayman Al Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt; and Hussein Al-Sheikh, Palestinian Minister of Civil Affairs, Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Executive Committee.

Convened on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, the session delved into the evolving situation in the Middle East region, particularly focusing on the Gaza Strip, its humanitarian and security implications, endeavours to secure a lasting ceasefire, and strategies to uphold regional and international peace and security.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed emphasised the imperative of achieving a sustainable ceasefire and preventing the escalation of conflict in the region, highlighting the paramount importance of countering extremism, mitigating tensions, curbing escalating violence, safeguarding civilian lives, and facilitating the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza Strip through secure corridors.

Moreover, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed reiterated the UAE’s steadfast commitment to advancing regional and global peace and stability, as well as its earnest endeavour to foster cooperative ties with diverse nations to foster development and prosperity for all peoples.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs; and Sheikh Nahyan bin Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Talks in Cairo continue

The indirect talks between Hamas and Israel are progressing in Cairo with Egyptian and Qatari mediators taking the lead.

The talks that commenced on Monday are continuing on Tuesday. According to sources in the Israeli Defence Ministry, the negotiations are on a positive path. After Israel reduced the number of hostages to be released from 40 to 33, the possibility of a six-week ceasefire is high.

The Hamas side has demanded the release of around 600 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Some of the Palestinian prisoners whose names figure in the list of prisoners submitted by Hamas are charged with serious offences, including murder.

Israel has already publicly stated that if Hamas backs out of this discussion in Cairo, it would lead to an Israeli ground offensive in the Rafah region of the Gaza Strip.

Hamas has maintained that a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal are prerequisites for any agreement. Conversely, Israel has affirmed its commitment to continue its operation in Gaza until Hamas is eradicated. However, Israel has recently agreed to Hamas’s demand for unrestricted movement of Palestinians to northern Gaza, a concession pivotal in advancing negotiations.

Around 1.3 million Palestinians inhabit the Rafah area. Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had expressed his concern about an Israeli military action in Rafah and the possibility of a huge exodus of refugees to the Sinai region that borders Rafah.

Egyptian intelligence head Major General Abbas Kamel during his recent visit to Israel had expressed concern about a Rafah operation.

Meanwhile, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who visited Saudi Arabia yesterday, is overseeing the mediatory talks between Hamas and Israel.

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‘A bridge between civilisations’

Sherif Mahmoud Issa extended thanks and appreciation to the UAE for choosing Egypt as the guest of honour at the 33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair…reports Asian Lite News

Sherif Mahmoud Issa, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the UAE, emphasised that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which kicked off today, is a bridge between civilisations and an international gathering where cultures converge.

In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Issa said that the fair has become a gateway to spreading the culture of peace among peoples through communication with others, building bridges, and “seeking what unites us rather than divides us.”

He extended thanks and appreciation to the UAE for choosing Egypt as the guest of honour at the 33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and for choosing the world-renowned writer Naguib Mahfouz as the Personality of this Year’s Book Fair, which is a culmination of the distinguished cultural cooperation between the two fraternal countries.

He pointed out that the Egyptian pavilion at the fair will witness the organisation of many diverse cultural events, seminars, discussion panels and intellectual dialogues that reflect Egypt’s rich and diverse knowledge base.

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33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair opens

The ADIBF, organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), is being held from 29th April to 5th May 2024 at ADNEC Abu Dhabi….reports Asian Lite News

Held under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, inaugurated the 33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) from 29th April to 5th May 2024 at ADNEC Abu Dhabi.

The fair serves as a platform for publishers to explore the latest trends and releases in the publishing sector, offering an ideal opportunity for networking and building partnerships, as well as a prime destination for culture enthusiasts and readers to discover new releases.

ADIBF reflects Abu Dhabi’s leading global role in publishing and the promotion of Arab culture.

During the opening, His Highness toured the fair, which hosts around 1,350 publishers from 90 countries, embodying the current edition’s theme Where the World’s Tales Unfold.

Sheikh Theyab explored the highlights of local, Arab, and international publications, and engaged with exhibitors to gauge their opinions and expectations for future editions of the event.

He toured several pavilions, including the Guest of Honour pavilion, which this year celebrates Egypt. His Highness also visited the pavilion honouring renowned Egyptian author and novelist Naguib Mahfouz, this year’s Focus Personality.

Furthermore, the tour included the Book of the World corner, which was inaugurated this year for the first time with Kalila wa Dimna, by Abdullah Ibn Al Muqaffa.

Sheikh Theyab explored various activities and events hosted by ADIBF, including a platform for Saudi podcast Thmanyah, which is set to feature interviews and discussions with writers, in addition to the Arts Corner, and a special section hosting a comprehensive cultural programme for children and youth. Moreover, the tour included the Azbakeya Wall platform, which simulates the old and prestigious Azbakeya Wall Book Market in Egypt, marking the first activity under the Popular Book Markets programme introduced to the ADIBF agenda.

ADIBF is a global cultural event celebrating print and digital cultural content, providing an opportunity for publishers worldwide to explore the latest developments in the global publishing sector, hold meetings, and build partnerships. It also serves as a leading platform to support the development and growth of the publishing sector, and to promote Arabic as a language of culture, science, and creativity around the world.

The ADIBF’s comprehensive professional and cultural programme combines regional publishing sectors and creative industries, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s role in expanding the reach of cultural content by supporting reading, audio-visual and interactive offering, and reinforcing its position as a hub for Arabic publishing and global creative content.

Furthermore, the fair has enhanced its competitiveness and global standing, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s leading role in supporting Arab culture and the continued growth of the global publishing sector by facilitating communication among stakeholders from around the world. The event welcomes 145 new exhibitors and publishers this year, along with 12 countries joining for the first time, namely Greece, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Pakistan, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Mozambique, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Indonesia.

ADIBF’s rich programme includes innovative literary and artistic workshops, along with live musical performances, film screenings, and photo exhibitions depicting the journey of various creative minds, their life stories, and major achievements. Meanwhile, World’s Cuisine presentations shed light on world cultures and the most popular dishes in their traditional cuisines. The fair also hosts activities designed for children and youth, as part of its commitment to expanding its events, activities, and options for all ages.

This year’s edition of ADIBF introduces the Book of the World corner, spotlighting a book that has influenced world literature over the years and across various cultures. The programme has selected Kalila wa Dimna, by Abdullah ibn al-Muqaffa, to feature in its inaugural edition, coinciding with the art exhibition organised by Louvre Abu Dhabi entitled From Kalīla wa Dimna to La Fontaine: Travelling Through Fables.

Furthermore, the fair celebrates Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz as this year’s Focus Personality, in appreciation of his significant role in promoting Arab culture around the world. Meanwhile, the fair celebrates Egypt as its Guest of Honour, in recognition of its prestigious cultural role and influence on Arab thought and knowledge. Egypt will be participating in the fair with an elaborate cultural and professional programme that reflects its cultural role in the Arab world and the publishing industry.

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