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Graffiti workshops, poetry about the father of the UAE and Icelandic cooking demonstrations – it’s all at this year’s Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

Billed as the fastest growing book fair in the region, Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) is returning this year for its 25th edition.

Aside from the thousands of publishing houses that will be selling everything from children’s titles to cookbooks, the fair includes a cultural programme packed with talks, book signings, workshops and more.

For the silver jubilee, the late Sheikh Zayed will be the focus personality and a source of inspiration for panels and seminars under the theme ‘Sheikh Zayed light illuminates the future’.

Special guests from Iceland, this year’s country of honour, will conduct talks and discussions. There will also be a display of books from the Nordic country in the Iceland Pavilion.

The inaugural ADIBF Academy comprises a series of sessions that will discuss current and future trends in the industry to prepare visitors for a career in education or publishing.

Meanwhile, the fair’s Spotlight on Rights initiative offers an opportunity for authors to translate their books from or into Arabic.

Beyond words

ADIBF isn’t just about books – there’s also an illustrator’s section, kids’ creativity corner, mini theatre and show kitchen.

The Illustrator’s Corner will feature 25 local and international artists, illustrators, calligraphers, animators and graphic and comic strip designers, who will host workshops and presentations.

Over at Creativity Corner, kids aged six to 12 can take part in educational activities including arts and crafts, drama workshops and competitions.

Black Box Cinema – a 42-seat theatre – returns to showcase 14 short films from the UAE and the Arab world – we highlight one on page 35. There’s also a cinematic exhibition, a wall for expressing what cinema means to you, and talks and workshops by industry insiders. Black Box Cinema will be held throughout the fair at stand 10D48. For more information search for Black Box Cinema on Facebook.

If you’re a foodie, head to the Show Kitchen where international chefs including KC Wallberg, an ambassador of Swedish cuisine, and Indian vegetarian chef and cookery writer Vandana Jain will be hosting cooking demonstrations. For the full schedule visit the ADIBF website.

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Five minutes with Cynthia Bond

American novelist Cynthia Bond is the author of Ruby, the story of a man determined to protect the woman he loves from a town that is intent on destroying her. Cynthia’s debut novel has earned her high praise and has topped the Oprah Book Club 2.0 list of recommended reads. We sit down with the author ahead of her appearance at the fair…

Is this your first time participating in ADIBF? 

Yes; I have never travelled to the UAE and I am thrilled to be attending. I have heard the fair is a cultural beacon for people from all over the world. Abu Dhabi also offers stunning landscapes, visually and culturally, and I look forward to experiencing the beauty and connecting with others who share my love of the written word.

What can we expect from you at the fair?

I have been invited to do readings followed by Q&A sessions related to my novel.

Ruby has received critical acclaim. What was it like to see it go from an idea in your head to such a well-received novel? 

My experience of releasing Ruby into the world is similar to sending a young child off to school for the first time. Will she find her way to class? Will the others students like her? Will I get a call to pick her up early? I was extremely nervous but hopeful that Ruby would have a good first day.

I am amazed at the book’s critical response and honoured to be selected for Oprah Book Club 2.0. I have always wanted to inspire and support other writers and the success of Ruby gives me hope that my dream can become reality.

You’ve taught writing to homeless youth. Why do you think this is an important skill for youngsters? 

I believe that at every level, we experience the immense power of words – they can nurture, imprison, free or define us. Teaching our youth to write their truths is a freeing act. It allows them to define their world and believe that they can effect change. I believe that it is essential to developing a future of thinkers and do-ers.

What advice would you give others who want to be an author? 

Write! It may sound simple, but it is one of the most difficult things. Often people talk about writing, think about what they should write and worry that their ideas are not good enough. They compare themselves to other writers and doubt creeps in, which leads to paralysis. In the beginning, know that it doesn’t have to be perfect. It is a work in progress but if you never start, there is nothing to perfect.

To find out more about Cynthia and Ruby visit: www.cynthiabond.com 

Rachael Peacock

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