Abu Dhabi, September 13 (QNA) – The 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair kicked off at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Held under the theme “Let’s turn the page and read the world”, the event runs through Sept. 18 and brings together 95 countries, including the State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Culture.

The Ministry showcases a collection of publications that manifest aspects of the Qatari cultural profile.

This participation is a vital opportunity to project Qatari cultural production and modern publications, while unlocking new prospects for collaboration with Gulf and Arab cultural institutions, said Director of the Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture and Director of the Doha International Book Fair Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain.

Al Buainain added that this participation stems from a series of the Ministry’s participations in the most important Arab and international cultural exhibitions, in pursuit of projecting the Qatari cultural heritage, as well as its cultural initiatives and publications.

The objective is to share expertise with cultural institutions and stakeholders concerned with the book and publishing industry, in addition to strengthening cultural engagement between the State of Qatar and a variety of cultural enterprises, as well as institutions, publishing houses, and other participants in the fair, Al Buainain highlighted.

Al Buainain affirmed that this participation in such events underscores the Ministry’s vision of supporting the book and publishing industry and encouraging Qatari writers and innovators to reach a wider audience.

He highlighted the importance of international book fairs in enhancing communication among publishers, authors, and readers, while providing an opportunity to explore a combination of literary and intellectual experiences.

  Al Buainain further explained that this event is a preeminent cultural platform that brings together leading writers, publishers, and intellectuals and provides space for dialogue and the exchange of ideas.

Its cultural program also features panel discussions, lectures, and workshops that contribute to enriching the cultural scene and celebrating books and the publishing industry, he pointed out.

Al Buainain emphasized that the Ministry continues its presence at cultural events abroad to foster cultural camaraderie with brotherly and friendly nations, as well as cooperation and sharing expertise, in addition to projecting homegrown cultural products as part of the civilizational and humanitarian presence of the State of Qatar.

In essence, this new edition features Balkan Culture as its Guest of Honour, in collaboration with the Republic of North Macedonia. It also celebrates Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi as its “Focus Personality” and Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote” as its “Book of the World”. (QNA)