The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) 2021, taking place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 23-29 May, has amplified its support to the publishing industry with enhancements to its annual Spotlight on Rights initiative. To mark the fair’s 30 years of success, Spotlight on Rights has increased its number of financial grants available to publishers to 300, in addition to expanding its support to the publishing of audiobooks and e-books.

Publishers attending the fair, whether physically or digitally, can apply for a grant via ADIBF’s website or app, which includes a dedicated landing page for the Spotlight on Rights programme. Additionally, a booth for this initiative will be found at the fair, with staff available to respond to any queries.

His Excellency Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, said: “Inaugurated 30 years ago by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in the following decades the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has become a driving force behind the professional and commercial development of the regional publishing industry. The Spotlight on Rights programme is more vital now than ever, with its grants ensuring publishers have the resources they need to continue contributing to and enhancing our cultural ecosystem. This not only supports the publishing sector through the unprecedented circumstances created by the pandemic, but serves our wider aim of boosting intellectual and cultural exchange.”

Since its launch in 2009, the Spotlight on Rights programme has supported the translation of content from and into Arabic, contributing to the publication of more than 600 titles across diverse topics including science, history, social sciences and children’s literature.

Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi and managed by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, this year's edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will welcome more than 800 exhibitors from 46 countries and will be a ‘hybrid’ programme comprised of a variety of virtual events, as well as events and activities held on the ground amid precautionary measures that will ensure a safe and enjoyable cultural experience for visitors.

The exhibition management has committed to the highest standards to ensure the safety of all visitors, exhibitors and staff at the event, restricting entry to vaccinated people over the age of 17. All visitors, exhibitors and other participants in the exhibition are required to present a negative result from a PCR test conducted in the previous 48 hours. Temperatures will be checked at the entrances, and a series of measures will be imposed to ensure safety and social distancing. At the same time, visitor numbers inside the exhibition halls and exhibitors’ pavilions will be limited to avoid overcrowding.

Visitors must register in advance to obtain an electronic access card, either through the website https://adbookfair.com/en or the smartphone application of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.