Dubai International Children's Book Fair launched with ambitious goal of serving as a catalyst for youth development in Arab World.

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation has announced today (Wednesday, November 18, 2009) that it intends to create new business and investment opportunities in the publishing industry and at the same time support the development of children's literature in the Arab World with the launch of the Dubai International Children's Book Fair, which will be held from 3-10 February 2010. The Book Fair will serve as a high-profile platform that will generate greater awareness about the importance of children's literature as a key component in the development of the youth throughout the Arab World.

Dubai International Children's Book Fair will provide a convenient and centralised business-to-business networking platform for regional and international publishers to access a wide range of business tools and support facilities that will enable them to pursue gainful business prospects in publishing children's books in the Arab World. The exhibition will also have dedicated segments for teachers, parents, librarians, reader development experts, child literature scholars and publishers to interact and explore new ideas and concepts in developing innovative reading materials for Arab children.

Adel Al Shared, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, said: "In line with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, youth development has been made an important component in Dubai's long-term strategic development plan. Through the Book Fair, we expect to gather the best minds in the literary world as well as leading publishers from the region and beyond to discuss various opportunities and possibilities and address challenges in the development of children's literature. This exhibition will act as a catalyst in realising our goal of establishing a truly comprehensive youth development programme not just for Dubai but for the entire Arab World."

Jamal Al Shehhi, CEO of the Dubai International Children's Book Fair, said: "The exhibition aims to inspire the Arab youth to become avid readers and knowledge seekers by bringing world-class literary works to the region. This event will also benefit teaching professionals, publishers, librarians, education ministries as well as individuals and institutions that contribute in youth development as the Book Fair provides access to innovative reading materials, new technologies and best practices that will help maintain the highest level of quality and excellence in children's literature."

Several specialised initiatives and activities have been integrated into the book fair to facilitate business-to-business activities, including the Reader Development Conference, which will focus on sharing best international practices in promoting reading, the International Rights Trading Centre, which will serve as the trading hub; a Creativity Centre, which will feature educational and entertainment programmes for the children and their families and the Children's Bookshop, an ideal set-up for a children's bookstore and the only selling venue at the Fair.

As part of a series of promotional road shows ahead of its official launch, Dubai International Children's Book Fair has participated in several regional and international book fairs, including the Sharjah World Book Fair 2009, Kuwait International Book Fair 2009, Frankfurt Book Fair, Bologna Children's Book Fair and Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. These road shows were held for the purpose of building strong partnerships with major international literary organisations. The Book Fair will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. 2009 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

2009 Al Bawaba (Albawaba.com)

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