With the support of du, Kalimat- the award-winning Sharjah-based publishing house, renowned for their publication of innovative children’s books, have announced their participation in the 2012 edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.  The event which is organized by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre will have more than 900 exhibitors and will be open to the public from Wednesday, 28 March to Monday, 2 April,

Visitors to the book fair will have a chance to browse through a wide range of Kalimat titles suitable for children of all age groups from babies to young adults. Over the weekend, children will be able to meet authors Salha Ghabish and Sahar Naja Mahfouz and the illustrator Nasim Abaeian at the Kalimat stand. The widely respected Emirati poetess Salha Ghabish will read and sign copies of her best-selling book ‘Baba Zayed’, a biography of Baba Zayed that will impart a sense of pride and nationhood to all Emirati children. Nasim, the illustrator of popular fairy tales “Ghaya Wal Haneesh” and “Dajaja Mithana” will hold an interesting art workshop to help children explore their creativity and imagination. Sahar Naja Mahfouz will read from her books ‘Huroufi Tarquis’ (My Letters are Dancing)’ and ‘Zarafa Melia (Melia the Giraffe)’ featuring characters who feel they are misfits and finally overcome their challenges.

H.E Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and CEO of Kalimat Publishing House, described Kalimat’s participation in the fair as ‘instrumental’ to Kalimat’s efforts to establish its presence on the Arab and Global publishing scene; “The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair provides the perfect international platform for Kalimat to showcase both its current successes and its vision for the future as a progressive and innovative publisher. With the unwavering backing of du, this vision is fast becoming a reality for Kalimat. Not only will the fair be a fantastic opportunity for networking, but we very much look forward to welcoming inquisitive children who will experience Arabic books of outstanding quality brought to life by our authors and illustrators.”

On this occasion, Hala Badri – Executive Vice President, Brand and Communications, du, said: “Our relationship with Kalimat is going from strength to strength. We are sure that the book signings, readings and illustration workshop will showcase several of Kalimat’s successes. In 2010, we had announced our shared commitment to the promotion of Arabic literature back and are glad to note that the partnership has since flourished, We wish Kalimat successful participation at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and secure their foothold in the Arab book trade.”

At the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, Kalimat will look to build on the success the company has achieved so far in securing rights deals. Previously, Kalimat’s participation in the Sharjah International Book Fair’s Professional Programme resulted in the sale of the worldwide Turkish publishing rights for ‘Al Bint Al Saghira Allati’, ‘HimarJaddi’, and ‘Ouhibou Aalami’ to Istanbul-based children’s book publisher Erdem. Kalimat’s international interests also include an agreement made with UK-based Orion Publishing Group for the Arabic rights to ‘The White Giraffe’ and ‘Dolphin Song’ by Lauren St John, published for the first time in the Arabic language.

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair’s ‘Spotlight on Rights’ initiative will continue this year after great success in 2011, where more than 200 letters of intent were received at the fair. The fair hosts 500,000 titles each year and promotes progression and cultural enthusiasm amongst publishers, booksellers and distributors. Kalimat’s presence at this year’s fair, with the support of du, is sure to secure Kalimat’s place on the global market. 

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair runs from 28 March to 02 April at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The illustration workshop by Nasim Abaiean will be held on Thursday, 29 March at 4 p.m. at the Kalimat stand. The book signing by Salha Ghabish will be on Friday, 30 March at 5 p.m. followed by Sahar’s book reading on the same day at 6 p.m.