Exemption aims to support cultural activities in the emirate

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has announced that participants in all book fairs in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi are exempt from paying rental and participation fees in 2023.

For the third consecutive year, the decision exempts all publishing houses, exhibitors, and publishers participating in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2023, Al Ain Book Festival 2023, and Al Dhafra Book Festival 2023 from rental and participation fees. The objective is to offer a strong incentive to attract more publishers and creators to participate in these exhibitions, which serves to enrich the local and regional cultural scene, supply Arab libraries with a wide collection of international publications, and position Abu Dhabi as a global cultural capital, a thriving centre for commerce, and a hub for cross-cultural dialogue.

H.E. Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said: "The fees exemption granted to publishing houses, exhibitors, and publishers participating in Abu Dhabi’s book fairs and festivals – now for the third consecutive year – is a catalyst for growth and advancement in the publishing and creative industries locally, regionally, and globally. This feeds into wider goals of the ALC, namely to reach greater numbers of readers and to promote and elevate Arabic language content across all forms of publishing. This decision reflects the vision of our wise leadership and the great value they place on knowledge and culture as essential elements of a thriving society.” 

The exemption forms part of the DCT Abu Dhabi and the ALC’s joint efforts to support local and international publishers, in line with the Centre’s strategy to ensure the continuity and growth of the publishing sector and promote Arabic as a language of culture, science, and innovation.

The announcement coincides with the launch of the 32nd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, taking place from 22-28 May at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

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