The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation said several international and regional publishing houses have expressed strong interest to participate in the inaugural Dubai International Children’s Book Fair which opens next year.

An initiative of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, the Dubai International Children’s Book Fair, will be run from February 3 to 10.

The show was launched with the objective to promote and instill a love for reading among children, support the publishers of children’s books, and motivate children to own books and enjoy reading, said the organisers.

Jamal Al Shehhi, CEO of Dubai International Children’s Book Fair, said: "The significant interest demonstrated by regional and international publishers for the fair is encouraging."

"The positive feedback will position the exhibition as a principal engine fueling creation of literature, specifically children’s literature, in Arab world."

“The Foundation launched the initiative as an outcome of an in-depth research that revealed an urgent need to revitalize children’s literature in the Arab world as part of the region’s development plan.”

“We anticipate the Fair will adequately highlight the areas that need to be focused to encourage children’s literature and provide an opportunity for the publishers to network with their peers and identify key market opportunities.”

The  Dubai International Children Book Fair will host events including workshops, discussion forums, training sessions, and other activities that aim to support the children’s book publishing industry, and encourage all stakeholders including authors, illustrators, and publishers to stimulate the important sector.

Earlier this year, a delegation from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation held discussions with renowned publishing companies in the UK and the US such as Random House.-TradeArabia News Service