Dubai International Children's Book Fair intends to reach out to publishers, writers, illustrators and the public during its participation at the event, seeking to generate greater awareness about the importance of children's literature as a key component in the development of younger generations in the Arab World. The presentations will also highlight other specialised industry tools as well as dedicated consumer-oriented segments that will be featured at the Dubai International Children's Book Fair, which will be held from 3-10 February 2010 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Al Shehhi said: "Dubai International Children's Book provides a defining venue for regional and international industry players to identify and pursue gainful business opportunities in this high-potential niche market. The event will provide insights into the development of children's literature in the Arab World and how this will subsequently impact the growth of the children's book publishing industry in the region. Our participation at the Sharjah World Book Fair will help us create greater awareness about the strategic importance of Dubai International Children's Book Fair and the excellent business opportunities in children's literature in the Arab World."

Several specialised initiatives and activities have been integrated into the Dubai International Children's 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, Dubai International Children's Book Fair has participated in several regional and international book fairs, including the 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.

Global Arab Network