Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF) signed a partnership agreement with publishing house Al Mutawasetiy from Tunisia under which MBRF will publish a series of science books for children and young people. The agreement was signed during the Foundation’s participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2015, which runs until May 13 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
Based on the agreement, MBRF will publish group of books in Arabic and English aimed at young people in the age group 12 to 17 years. The books deal with scientific topics, particularly those related to modern science such as medical imaging, laser, viruses, nuclear energy and space science. They will be published in both print as well as digital formats, with the latter made available through applications on smart devices.
Commenting on the occasion, His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of MBRF, said: “The agreement aims to spread scientific culture among young people taking into consideration that lack of specialised scientific books for young people that meet the requirements of the modern age. The digital versions of these books will come with attractive features such as 3D and animation in order to attract more young readers. The applications will be available in both Arabic and English in App Store as well as Android Apps.”
During its participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, MBRF is taking part in several business meetings and specialised events in the areas of publishing and knowledge. As part of its meetings with institutions supporting its upcoming projects, MBRF visited the pavilion of Majid, a popular Arabic children’s magazine of Abu Dhabi Media Company, to discuss publishing of children’s books. It also held meetings with publishing houses in the fields of science, innovation and educational books for children.
H.E. Huwaireb said: “The participation of MBRF in such a major exhibition as Abu Dhabi Book Fair highlights the key role of the Foundation in the areas of publishing and transfer of knowledge. Having promoted various projects and initiatives in the field of knowledge, MBRF is committed to contribute further towards the development of the region.”
H.E. Huwaireb added: “Through our participation in the Abu Dhabi Book Fair, we have been able to renew direct communication with a wide range of local, Arab and international publishing houses and share best practices in the areas of publishing and translation. The exhibition has also set the stage for future partnerships with a number of publishing houses specialised in the field of innovation as we look to keep pace with the latest technological developments to provide a rich knowledge content to the public.”
“During the book fair, MBRF launched a daily competition called ‘Think With Me’ on its social media channels, which saw wide participation from the public with a winner selected daily. The Foundation also hosted at its pavilion a group of school students and introduced them to interesting children’s books,” said Ibrahim Khadim, Director of Publishing and Translation (Acting), MBRF.
On the second day of the exhibition, MBRF organised a seminar on the topic ‘Translation and its Role in Creativity and Innovation’. The seminar led by Dr. Eesa M. Bastaki, President of University of Dubai, and Dr. Maryam Shenasi, President of the UAE Publishers Association and owner of Jasmine Publishing House, attracted a large crowd of visitors and exhibition participants.
MBRF has also organised a symposium focusing on the experiences of the UAE authors associated with Dubai International Program for Writing. Apart from these, a ‘Coffee and Book’ symposium takes place every day, hosting leading authors attending the book fair during which they narrate their experiences in the field of writing.
