Abu Dhabi, January 26: In line with their commitment to building the professional skills of Arab world publishing professionals, KITAB have confirmed that they are in talks with relevant authorities to expand the acclaimed Publishers Training Programme to North Africa in 2010.
Held in partnership with the Goethe-Institut Gulf Region, the Frankfurt Book Fair and the Academy of the German Book Trade, the 2010 Programme will visit North Africa alongside Abu Dhabi.
As a part of its international presence and attendance at all major book fairs KITAB and ADIBF will be present at the Cairo International Book Fair being held between 28 January – 10 February 2010.
First launched on the back of the successful professional programme at the 2009 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Publishers Training Programme offers the region’s publishing professionals the opportunity to learn and share in the experience and best practice of internationally recognised professionals.
The week long courses held in Abu Dhabi have so far benefitted 34 publishers from 11 countries across the Middle East, with some participating thanks to available scholarships from ADACH and KITAB. The planned expansion will take the courses on the road to North Africa in order to be closer to the publishing professionals based there.
Jumaa Al Qubaisi, Director of the National Library and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair said: “Supporting the development of the region’s emerging publishing industry means reaching out to publishers right across the Arab world. Expanding the Abu Dhabi-developed training programme is an essential tool in the process of establishing Abu Dhabi as the region’s publishing hub.”
“We were overwhelmed by the positive response to the training programme in 2009. Given this, and order to meet increasing demands and ensure as many people as possible can benefit, we are pleased to announce the expansion of the programme. Where better to announce our plans to expand the programme to North Africa than in Egypt at the Cairo International Book Fair,” explained Monika Krauss, General Manager of KITAB.
“In line with our aim to initiate new opportunities for dialogue and knowledge building in the publishing industry, the workshops will equip North Africa-based publishers with the confidence and competency to compete and develop,” added Ms Krauss.
Further opportunities for the region’s publishers to build knowledge will be on offer at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair from 2 – 7 March 2010. The professional programme will host a range of opportunities for publishers, particularly from the educational and children’s field, to meet and exchange experience with international players.
—Agencies