Spring has arrived in London and with it, swathes of bookish professionals made their annual pilgrimage to Earl's Court. For TS Eliot, April may have been the cruellest month, but there were no signs of decline at the London Book Fair. The international publishing elite gathered for the three-day event, which has become one of industry's most important trade fairs. It is the global marketplace for rights negotiation and the sale and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels and brings together 23,000 members of the global publishing community. This is a place where authors can meet publishers; publishers, distributors; distributors, retailers. As Kelly Pike of Saqi books said: "It's one of the best advertising and marketing opportunities in the world."
It's difficult to know what to expect at such an event. There is a distinct element of literary celebration, opportunities to meet famous authors and chat about favourite books and even a look at the innovations shaping the publishing world of the future, including the UK debut of the Espresso book machine - a vending-style contraption that prints books while you wait.
For all the fun and novelty, though, the fair is firmly centred on business. Inside, the exhibition floor is littered with stalls and busy chatter fills the vast expanses as publishers, authors and distributors vie for lucrative contracts. Figures are bandied around, hands shaken, acquaintances renewed and friendships formed. Books deals are made in boardrooms and corridors.
It's exciting, urgent and overwhelming. Fittingly, India was the focus country for the fair this year. The organisers presented an impressive range of authors, including Vikram Seth and the Nobel Prize-winner Amartya Sen. Being the focus gives the kind of publicity that money can't buy. The British Council provides support at every level: organising meetings, seminars and networking events. Last year's fair showcased the Arab world but this year, exhibitors aimed to capitalise on the recent wave in literature from the region.
The Arab presence demonstrated both an increasing literary awareness within the region and a growing international interest. The buzz was linked in no small part to the obvious potential of this emerging market. "The statistics speak for themselves - 24 Arab countries, a population of 340 million and 422 million Arabic speakers living outside of the region," said Bachar Chebaro, the owner of Arab Scientific Publishers and the secretary general of the Arab Publishers Association.
In the current economic climate, western publishers are increasingly tempted by this largely untapped market. Bloomsbury and Penguin have already announced plans to expand into the Gulf. "I was lucky enough to visit the Cairo Book Fair as part of the British Council delegation," Jonathan Nowell, President of Nielsen Books said. "When I came back to the UK my brain was bursting with ideas. There is so much opportunity for international publishers and, most importantly, for Arab publishers, to meet the enormous consumer demand for education and entertainment that books can deliver."
The London Book Fair enables participants to find out more about the specificities of international consumer demand and genre preference. According to Dr Ali Bin Tamim, the project manager of Kalima, an organisation which aims to make western texts accessible to Arab audiences through translation, Emiratis gravitate toward "novels, autobiographies, science books, illustrated and architectural books and books about Islamic history".
It is these types of publications that Kalima is seeking to promote in the Arab world, with 150 texts already translated. "We are encouraging Arabic publishers to forge links with foreign firms and also to support the work of translators." An attempt is being made to keep Arab readers up to date with western bestsellers and Kalima will shortly be publishing Barack Obama's autobiography in Arabic. "The challenge here in London is to find a great book and a great publisher that can reach as many people as possible," Tamim said.
For Irum Fawad of Kitab, the organisers of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, a presence at the London event is a necessity. "It helps us to improve our visibility, promotes networking opportunities and encourages professionalism", she said. "Our 20th book fair will be held next year and it will be more international than ever before because it is now seen as a credible forum."
"Book fairs in the Arab World are generally focused on selling books" adds Claudia Kaiser, the general manager of Kitab. "In Abu Dhabi, we are changing this by using the event to develop business contacts and to offer professional training. In 2008, we hosted 480 exhibitors hailing from 42 countries. This year we had 637 exhibitors from 53 countries. We also included a targeted matchmaking event where people could register in order to meet Arab or international publishers. That was a big breakthrough," she said.
Ahmed Al-Amri, the director of the Sharjah World Book Fair, the first representative from the UAE to begin exhibiting at the London Book Fair four years ago, also commented on the positive impact that inclusion in the London event has had on the domestic book fair.
"A great deal of interest has been generated here and it has helped to boost success back home," he said. "Last year, the Sharjah fair welcomed 400,000 people - eight per cent of the population of the UAE - and reached sales of around $28 million (Dh103m). That is a lot of money in the world of books. People understand that in business, the figures don't lie.
"In particular, visitors here in London have been excited by the Knowledge without Borders government initiative. It is designed to encourage parents and children to spend more time reading by providing a library of 50 Arabic books to 24,000 families in Sharjah."
The project is part of a wider educational programme to disseminate Arabic texts domestically and internationally. Literature is not geographically bound and texts do not operate or exist in isolation, but are instead part of a wider body of sources and quotations that form links with other nations and other eras. The Arab initiatives recognise the value of intertextuality while giving native writers a platform to share their work and enter it into this broader literary community.
"Much has been achieved since last year," said the writer and presenter Maya Jaggi. "The Arab World now offers a number of prestigious awards that stimulate both reading and translation in the Arab world. The Sheikh Zayed Book Award is now in its third year and the Egyptian author Bahaa Taher, the first winner of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, held in association with the UK's Booker Prize, will have his novel Sunset Oasis published in the UK in September. Clearly there is huge potential in the 24 countries."
Obstacles, however, still remain. "We have at least 70 million illiterate people in the Arab world," Chebaro said. "The literacy rate means that more educational programmes are needed."
In addition, the Arab world still lacks a viable distribution network and proper marketing for books. A failure to collate statistical information means that there is insufficient data regarding what is being published. The absence of literary agents and a paucity of first-rate translators also threaten to disrupt the progress being made in the Arab book industry.
"We need to create a more efficient supply chain in the Arab world" Nowell added. "We are working towards a situation whereby the consumer is informed about what is available, they can find information on these products and can easily make a timely purchase decision to buy what is available. We need to rely more on print on demand in the Arab World. The technology now gives us the opportunity to accelerate the wider dissemination of books in the Arab World without having to go through traditional distribution channels."
"We have made progress and we must continue to co-operate and share our experiences across the region," said Kaiser. "There is an increasing understanding that to move forward we have to work together. We are not in an ideal world yet, but we are getting there."
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 2
(Martial 30', McTominay 90 6')
Manchester City 0
Company%20Profile
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Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Freezer tips
- Always make sure food is completely cool before freezing.
- If you’re cooking in large batches, divide into either family-sized or individual portions to freeze.
- Ensure the food is well wrapped in foil or cling film. Even better, store in fully sealable, labelled containers or zip-lock freezer bags.
- The easiest and safest way to defrost items such as the stews and sauces mentioned is to do so in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
Tell-tale signs of burnout
- loss of confidence and appetite
- irritability and emotional outbursts
- sadness
- persistent physical ailments such as headaches, frequent infections and fatigue
- substance abuse, such as smoking or drinking more
- impaired judgement
- excessive and continuous worrying
- irregular sleep patterns
Tips to help overcome burnout
Acknowledge how you are feeling by listening to your warning signs. Set boundaries and learn to say ‘no’
Do activities that you want to do as well as things you have to do
Undertake at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. It releases an abundance of feel-good hormones
Find your form of relaxation and make time for it each day e.g. soothing music, reading or mindful meditation
Sleep and wake at the same time every day, even if your sleep pattern was disrupted. Without enough sleep condition such as stress, anxiety and depression can thrive.
F1 drivers' standings
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 281
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 222
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 177
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 138
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 93
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 86
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 56
RESULTS
5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 2,200m
Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Fernando Jara (jockey), Ahmed Al Mehairbi (trainer)
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: AF Seven Skies, Bernardo Pinheiro, Qais Aboud
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner: Almahroosa, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
6.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner: AF Sumoud, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,200m
Winner: AF Majalis, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Adventurous, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
THURSDAY FIXTURES
4.15pm: Italy v Spain (Group A)
5.30pm: Egypt v Mexico (Group B)
6.45pm: UAE v Japan (Group A)
8pm: Iran v Russia (Group B)
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder MHEV
Power: 360bhp
Torque: 500Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh282,870
On sale: now
RESULT
Copa del Rey, semi-final second leg
Real Madrid 0
Barcelona 3 (Suarez (50', 73' pen), Varane (69' OG)
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
MATCH INFO
Maratha Arabians 107-8 (10 ovs)
Lyth 21, Lynn 20, McClenaghan 20 no
Qalandars 60-4 (10 ovs)
Malan 32 no, McClenaghan 2-9
Maratha Arabians win by 47 runs
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8
Power: 503hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 685Nm at 2,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Price: from Dh850,000
On sale: now
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
25%20Days%20to%20Aden
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20Michael%20Knights%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPages%3A%20256%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAvailable%3A%20January%2026%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Prop idols
Girls full-contact rugby may be in its infancy in the Middle East, but there are already a number of role models for players to look up to.
Sophie Shams (Dubai Exiles mini, England sevens international)
An Emirati student who is blazing a trail in rugby. She first learnt the game at Dubai Exiles and captained her JESS Primary school team. After going to study geophysics at university in the UK, she scored a sensational try in a cup final at Twickenham. She has played for England sevens, and is now contracted to top Premiership club Saracens.
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Seren Gough-Walters (Sharjah Wanderers mini, Wales rugby league international)
Few players anywhere will have taken a more circuitous route to playing rugby on Sky Sports. Gough-Walters was born in Al Wasl Hospital in Dubai, raised in Sharjah, did not take up rugby seriously till she was 15, has a master’s in global governance and ethics, and once worked as an immigration officer at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi. In the summer of 2021 she played for Wales against England in rugby league, in a match that was broadcast live on TV.
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Erin King (Dubai Hurricanes mini, Ireland sevens international)
Aged five, Australia-born King went to Dubai Hurricanes training at The Sevens with her brothers. She immediately struck up a deep affection for rugby. She returned to the city at the end of last year to play at the Dubai Rugby Sevens in the colours of Ireland in the Women’s World Series tournament on Pitch 1.
Fight Night
FIGHT NIGHT
Four title fights:
Amir Khan v Billy Dib - WBC International title
Hughie Fury v Samuel Peter - Heavyweight co-main event
Dave Penalosa v Lerato Dlamini - WBC Silver title
Prince Patel v Michell Banquiz - IBO World title
Six undercard bouts:
Michael Hennessy Jr v Abdul Julaidan Fatah
Amandeep Singh v Shakhobidin Zoirov
Zuhayr Al Qahtani v Farhad Hazratzada
Lolito Sonsona v Isack Junior
Rodrigo Caraballo v Sajid Abid
Ali Kiydin v Hemi Ahio
The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
On sale: Now
Monday's results
- UAE beat Bahrain by 51 runs
- Qatar beat Maldives by 44 runs
- Saudi Arabia beat Kuwait by seven wickets
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Saturday, May 16 (kick-offs UAE time)
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke (4.30pm)
RB Leipzig v Freiburg (4.30pm)
Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin (4.30pm)
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn (4.30pm)
Augsburg v Wolfsburg (4.30pm)
Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach (7.30pm)
Sunday, May 17
Cologne v Mainz (4.30pm),
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich (7pm)
Monday, May 18
Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen (9.30pm)
Ordinary Virtues: Moral Order in a Divided World by Michael Ignatieff
Harvard University Press
Monster Hunter: World
Capcom
PlayStation 4, Xbox One
A Dog's Journey
Directed by: Gail Mancuso
Starring: Dennis Quaid, Josh Gad, Marg Helgenberger, Betty Gilpin, Kathryn Prescott
3 out of 5 stars
Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
No_One Ever Really Dies
N*E*R*D
(I Am Other/Columbia)
SCORES IN BRIEF
New Zealand 153 and 56 for 1 in 22.4 overs at close
Pakistan 227
(Babar 62, Asad 43, Boult 4-54, De Grandhomme 2-30, Patel 2-64)
Pathaan
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Western Region Asia Cup T20 Qualifier
Sun Feb 23 – Thu Feb 27, Al Amerat, Oman
The two finalists advance to the Asia qualifier in Malaysia in August
Group A
Bahrain, Maldives, Oman, Qatar
Group B
UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia
Tour de France Stage 16:
165km run from Le Puy-en-Velay to Romans-sur-Isère
Fifa Club World Cup quarter-final
Kashima Antlers 3 (Nagaki 49’, Serginho 69’, Abe 84’)
Guadalajara 2 (Zaldivar 03’, Pulido 90')
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Abu Dhabi traffic facts
Drivers in Abu Dhabi spend 10 per cent longer in congested conditions than they would on a free-flowing road
The highest volume of traffic on the roads is found between 7am and 8am on a Sunday.
Travelling before 7am on a Sunday could save up to four hours per year on a 30-minute commute.
The day was the least congestion in Abu Dhabi in 2019 was Tuesday, August 13.
The highest levels of traffic were found on Sunday, November 10.
Drivers in Abu Dhabi lost 41 hours spent in traffic jams in rush hour during 2019
Review: Tomb Raider
Dir: Roar Uthaug
Starring: Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Daniel Wu, Walter Goggins
two stars
The biog
Name: Greg Heinricks
From: Alberta, western Canada
Record fish: 56kg sailfish
Member of: International Game Fish Association
Company: Arabian Divers and Sportfishing Charters
