With a new pavilion in the shadow of the Zayed Central Library, Abu Dhabi’s Garden city is now holding the biggest iteration of the book fair in its 12-year history. Taking place until September 30, the fair brings together more than 100 local publishing houses as well as dozens of leading figures from the UAE's academic and literary scene. Panel discussions on heritage, literature, poetry and art are among the fair’s highlights, with speakers that include Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, cultural adviser to the President of the UAE and chancellor of UAE University, Saeed Al Nazari, director general of the Federal Youth Authority, and Isobel Abulhoul, chief executive and trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation.
Local literary talents taking part include Sultan Al Ameemi, Ahmad bin Thani, Asma Siddiq Al Mutawaa, Adel Khozam, Lulwa Al Mansoori, Ibrahim Al Hashimi and Saleh Karama.
Organisers have set up a concentrated digital front to make the fair accessible to those who are unable or hesitant to visit in person.