Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation Registers Great Turnout At 25th Beijing International Book Fair

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) has concluded its successful first participation at the 25^th Beijing International Book Fair, held on August 22-26, 2018, at the China International Exhibition Centre.

The Fair is one of the most prominent global knowledge events drawing authors and exhibitors from all around the world every year. The Foundation attracted large audiences from leading Chinese publishing houses to its booth, along with representatives from companies specialising in producing and disseminating knowledge, who explored MBRF’s knowledge projects and initiatives, and looked into opportunities for collaboration in the knowledge sector.

His Excellency Dr Ali Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to China, also visited the booth, where a delegation from the Foundation – headed by Director of Events & Exhibitions Hussain Shamsi –  gifted him a collection of publications issued by its publishing arm Qindeel Printing, Publishing and Distribution, in addition to samples from the “A Book in Minutes” series, and works by the winners of the Dubai International Writing Programme, all released during the Year of Zayed to immortalise the Founding Father’s legacy and principles.

“The UAE’s participation in this year’s edition of the Beijing International Book Fair reflects our Government’s commitment to knowledge and its efforts to support the sector, bring it up to international standards, and play a part in shaping the future,” said H.E. Al Dhaheri, applauding MBRF for its essential role in promoting knowledge locally, regionally and internationally.

“This year’s Fair sheds light on the digital revolution transforming the publishing world,” H.E. continued. “By showcasing its ground-breaking ‘Dubai Digital Library’, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation successfully reflected the scientific and technological advancement taking place in the UAE. This serves to promote cultural exchange between the Emirates and China, which is by no means less important than the economic and political exchange between our two countries, as asserted by our leaders during H.E. the Chinese President’s historic visit to the UAE last month.”

For his part, MBRF’s CEO H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb said: “The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation is committed to promoting the production and exchange of knowledge and culture around the world. And this commitment is what brought us to the Beijing International Book Fair, which, in its 25-year history, has provided a prime platform for Asia’s publishing industry, as well as their global counterparts.”

“The Foundation showcased to a crowd of influential stakeholders our portfolio of successful knowledge initiatives and projects that use modern technology to promote knowledge dissemination and cultural exchange,” H.E. added. “This, coupled with the numerous landmark agreements we signed with top-tier publishing companies in the world’s most populous country, allows us to carry out our mission to spread knowledge throughout the world, promote global cultural dialogue, and build strategic partnerships that serve our goals to build a diverse knowledge society in Dubai and the UAE.”

The Foundation signed several sponsorship agreements at its pavilion, as well as accords to support certain publications and translate select Chinese books into Arabic and vice-versa – particularly, works by the winners of the Dubai International Writing Programme.

MBRF’s Dubai Digital Library witnessed a great turnout from Chinese and Korean companies, and signed several MoUs, most notably an agreement with Dar Al Ghad publishing house – a subsidiary of China’s Shandong Group – to populate the Library with educational Chinese books and distribute its content in China. The agreement also includes providing children’s books and material to help with learning Chinese language and literature.

A similar agreement to enrich the Library’s content was signed with Shandong Literature and Arts House, while the Translation and Editorial House of the CPC Central Committee entered an agreement with MBRF to train Arab translators and edit translated Chinese content.

Meanwhile, the People’s Literature Publishing House in China signed an agreement with MBRF’s publishing arm, Qindeel Printing, Publishing and Distribution, to translate Arabic books to Chinese and collaborate to launch knowledge initiatives. In addition, many publishing houses exhibited great interest in publications from the Dubai International Writing Programme and made arrangements with the Foundation to have them translated into Chinese.

On another note, the Beijing International Book Fair also included the launch of the Chinese edition of the book, “48-hours in Dubai”, on Wednesday, August 22, 2018, at the MBRF pavilion. The launch ceremony was attended by Hussein Shamsi, MBRF’s Director of Events & Exhibitions; Hussein Mohammed, the Foundation’s Head of Events; Chen Gang, Executive Deputy General Manager of Shandong Publishing and Media Inc.; Mrs. Ding Lee, Director of Shandong’s Publishing Department; Yao Wenrui, President of Shandong Friendship Publishing House; and Jay Hong, Editor-in-Chief at China Friendship Publishing Company; among other prominent guests from China and around the world.