Abu Dhabi International Book Fair: A Celebration of Knowledge and Cultural Heritage
By Mays Ibrahim (Abu Dhabi)
The allure of rare manuscripts and historical prints continues to enchant literature aficionados at the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), which is set to run until May 5 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). This year’s fair, a significant platform for authors, publishers, and bibliophiles, is hosted by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) and themed “Knowledge Illuminates Our Community.”
As part of this auspicious gathering, the Caribbean Basin has been designated as the Guest of Honour, promoting cross-cultural engagement and celebrating the rich literary traditions of the region. Simultaneously, the fair pays homage to the eminent philosopher and physician Ibn Sina, known in the West as Avicenna, who has emerged as the Focus Personality for this year’s event. Moreover, the classic narrative collection “One Thousand and One Nights” has been chosen as the Book of the World, underscoring its enduring relevance in global literature.
One of the fair’s highlights is a remarkable collection exhibited by Peter Harrington, a distinguished rare book dealer based in London. Harrington, who personally curated this selection, has brought significant works that shed light on the Arab world. Noteworthy among these is a 14th-century manuscript of Ibn Sina’s renowned “Canon of Medicine,” specifically focusing on pharmacy. Harrington remarked, “It’s wonderful to have such a piece here, especially with Ibn Sina being honored at the fair,” reflecting the importance of showcasing historical texts within their cultural context.
The exhibition also features early Arabic prints, notably those produced by the first printing press introduced to Egypt by Napoleon in the 1790s. Included in this collection is one of the earliest French-Arabic dictionaries, printed in Cairo in 1798 to facilitate communication for Napoleon’s troops—an artifact emblematic of the era’s historical intersections.
Adding further depth to the collection, Harrington presents original travel and geographic works that capture the essence of the Arabian Peninsula. Among these are vintage photographs alongside firsthand accounts from women travelers recounting their experiences in Palestine during the 1920s. Notably, a 1499 edition of Colonna’s “Hypnerotomachia Poliphili” features the earliest Arabic word printed in a European book—a significant marker of early cultural exchanges between East and West.
Harrington emphasized the strategic importance of the Abu Dhabi Book Fair as a premier venue for exhibitions in the Middle East. “Abu Dhabi provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the best museums, libraries, and collectors in the region,” he articulated, reflecting the fair’s reputation as a cornerstone of literary celebration.
In addition to Harrington’s collection, ADEVA, a leading Austrian publisher focused on facsimile editions, is offering a captivating insight into the art of manuscript preservation. Managing Director Paul Struzl elaborated on the meticulous process involved in reproducing ancient manuscripts—a labor-intensive endeavor that can take up to a year for just one book. Their exhibit features a facsimile of “The Golden Koran,” inscribed on golden paper, as well as a rare collection dedicated to falconry—a nod to the deep-seated cultural heritage of the Gulf region.
Founded in 1949, ADEVA aims to ensure that scholars and future generations have access to ancient texts that might otherwise be sequestered in museum archives. “In an increasingly digital world, preserving physical books is more important than ever,” Struzl asserted, echoing a sentiment shared by many in the literary community who value the tactile experience of engaging with physical texts.
Struzl praised the organization of the Abu Dhabi fair, noting, “I truly enjoy coming to Abu Dhabi. It’s a well-organized, beautiful fair with excellent facilities. For us, it has become a tradition to participate since 2009.” His commitment to the fair encapsulates the broader significance of such events in fostering a love for literature and preserving the cultural legacies that shape our shared human experience.
As the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair unfolds, it stands not merely as a venue for commercial transactions but as a vibrant forum celebrating the intersection of culture, knowledge, and the collective pursuit of understanding through literature.
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