ABU DHABI, 1st May, 2025 (WAM) -- The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) has reaffirmed the Arabic language’s role as a leading platform for knowledge production and cultural exchange, showcasing initiatives that preserve the memory of civilisations and celebrate intellectual achievement.
A flagship initiative is the “Kalima” project affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), which has advanced translation efforts across the Arab world and strengthened Arabic’s presence on the global cultural stage.
Since its launch, Kalima has translated over 1,300 titles from 24 languages across more than 10 fields, in collaboration with 800 translators and major international publishing houses.
In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the ALC and Director of ADIBF, said that Kalima highlights translation as a vital tool for cross-cultural dialogue. He noted the centre’s mission to foster translation, document cultural experiences, and promote authors from the Arab world and beyond.
Al Tunaiji emphasised the centre’s dedication to global publishing and honouring creative talent, adding that the fair has cemented its reputation as a leading international cultural platform.
Kalima, launched in 2007, aims to revitalise the Arab world’s translation movement and support Abu Dhabi’s cultural growth, reinforcing its status as a regional and international hub for intellectual and scientific progress.
The project maintains rigorous standards in its selection and translation processes, working with expert teams to deliver high-quality Arabic renditions of global literature and thought, enriching Arabic with diverse perspectives.
Kalima has translated a range of acclaimed literary works, including books on Nobel laureates, to broaden the Arabic literary landscape and introduce readers to international thought and creativity.
At this year’s fair, the ALC is presenting a selection of its latest publications from projects such as Kalima, Isdarat, and the Research Grants Programme. Highlighted Kalima titles include A Certain Idea of France: The Life of Charles de Gaulle, The Boy from Baghdad, and the Journeys of Discovery, among others.
The centre honoured six longstanding Arab publishing houses during the fair, recognising their collective 520 years of contribution to the industry, as part of the first phase of its “Honouring the Creators of Arab Publishing” initiative.
As part of its programme at the 34th edition of the fair, the centre hosts over 2,000 cultural events, including 1,700 creative activities under a new community campaign promoting sustainable reading.