The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has been postponed until further notice because of the escalating conflict involving Iran, the Arab Publishers Association said on Thursday.
The fair had been scheduled to take place from April 11 to April 20, the association said in a statement, citing a notice from Saeed bin Hamdan Al Taneiji, executive director of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and director of the book fair.
The association said the decision was taken because of “the current circumstances in the region” and out of consideration for publishers and partners. It added that a new date would be announced later, with further details to follow.
The Middle East has been gripped by heightened tensions after Iran became involved in open military confrontation with the United States and Israel, with the exchanges expanding beyond political signalling to direct strikes on strategic sites, the statement said. It cited disruption to air traffic, threats to energy supplies and warnings of a wider regional war.
Held under the patronage of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is one of the region’s largest cultural events, attracting publishers and visitors from around the world.
