Famous Islamic philosopher Ibn Rushd chosen as ‘Personality of the Year’ At This Year's Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) has announced that the Arabic-Islamic philosopher Ibn Rushd will be the Personality of the Year at this year’s Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF). 

The event, which will take place from 27 April to 3 May at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), will celebrate influential cultural figures, both international and Arabic.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, ADIBF will aim to highlight Ibn Rushd’s character in a dedicated pavilion that will showcase his life and legacy. A part of the exhibition’s cultural programme will also be dedicated to discussing his character, influence and works.

Italy is 'Guest of Honour' at ADIBF

Italy, the exhibition’s guest of honour, will also be celebrated through an integrated programme that consists of cultural and professional events and activities for kids. Italy will also feature in the Cooking Corner and the Artists Corner, which will shed the light on the cultural dialogue between Emiratis and Italians. 

Italy will use its dedicated programme to highlight its literature through a series of talks from a group of prominent authors, poets and academics. Italian publishers will also participate at a dedicated pavilion displaying the most important literary and scientific publications.

The Italian programme will also consist of a number of lectures and discussions with an array of speakers specialising in the publishing sector and education.

The topics include:
‘Storytelling and history writing’ by Valerio Massimo Manfredi
‘From Paper to the Screen: The Importance of Character’ by Antonio Mancini
‘The Italy of Tomorrow: fantasy, illustrations and novels for young people’ discussed by Beatrice Masini and Lishiah Troysa
‘Saints, Navigators… and poets? Italian poetry in the third millennium’ with Valerio Magrelli
‘Based on true stories: When history inspires novels’ with Louis Garneray
​‘On the doorstep of a New Renaissance: Reference books on the future of the art’ with Melania Mazzucco and Vincenzo Trione.