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A comprehensive app for visitors, publishers and authors dedicated to Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and a pioneering e-card system dedicated to Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authoritys published series and projects have been launched at the 2015 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

The ADIBF app launched by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) provides access to a complete exhibitor database and a comprehensive listing of the more than 500,000 books available at the fair searchable by title, author or publisher complete with information about the title. Additionally, the app details the cultural, literary and professional programme activities held as part of the fairs 25th silver anniversary edition.

Compatible with all Android and iOS devices, once downloaded the app does not need permanent internet connection to work. The app also features a planning tool allowing visitors to add events and activities to a daily agenda, issuing notifications related to the date and time of the fairs seminars, lectures and discussions panels reminders.

Featuring a user-friendly detailed map of the fairs pavilion layout, the application can be turned into an interactive map and a directions guide that provides the fastest route to reach the intended pavilion or publisher, making it easier for visitors to find the titles they seek.

Additionally, in a move to keep pace with trends in digital publishing, TCA Abu Dhabi has introduced a smart card to boost e-Book access with a pioneering e-card system and application allowing book lovers to browse through a wide selection of more than 150 e-books on their mobile devices making them readily available to readers of all ages.

Unprecedented in the Arab World, the e-card project grants users access via three e-card types dedicated to the Authoritys project or publication series catalogues: the Kalima Project e-card, which offers owners access to 72 books of Kalimas best releases, with the National Librarys Orient Pioneers and Springs of Classical Arabic Prose series e-cards will open up the fascinating worlds of 40 and 45 books under each series respectively.

The ground-breaking e-publishing project will have a deep, positive impact in terms of facilitating and accelerating Arab readers access to e-books on par with the international industry leaders in this field, according to H.E. Juma Al Qubaisi, ADIBF Director and Executive Director of the National Library division TCA Abu Dhabi who stressed the initiative aligns with TCA Abu Dhabis efforts to keep pace with the ever-evolving world of electronic media and publishing, and fulfil readers aspirations to obtain electronic copies of the Authoritys publications.

TCA Abu Dhabi is the first Arabic government entity to launch an effective, practical e-card initiative where users can enter their e-cards access PINs to access comprehensive e-libraries that contain a vast collection of books issued by TCA Abu Dhabis institutions and projects.

A key feature of the books made available by the application is that they are not scanned images, but interactive texts which users can benefit from part of it, search for certain words or expressions or add notes. The can also transfer part of the texts to other applications such as e-mail, Facebook, Twitter and other social media tools, which enables them to make the most their reading experience.

Modern Technology has numerous innovative advantages. For example, the e-card project can add 150 books to a tablet or a phone that is the size of a human hand which is what makes e-publishing very special. In our opinion, this complements rather than hinders paper publishing, contributes to distributing books to wider geographic areas, particularly remote regions that do not have as much selling and distribution outlets, and saves readers the shipment fees, concluded H.E. Al Qubaisi.

Salah Chebaro, CEO of Neel wa Furat (nwf.com), the company commissioned by TCA Abu Dhabi to conduct the e-card projects design, technical and electronic operations, pointed out that this leading project will be widely received by the public because it is a new idea, and all new things have their special sparkle.

Most people now have smart mobile devices, in and around which they build their private worlds. The published e-books will be diverse enough to suit all interests and lifestyles, and because they keep up with the times and personal ways of thinking, the project is expected to be very successful and resonate very well with the public who can use the feedback feature to send us their reactions and pinions, helping us to enhance the product, added Chebaro.

Both applications are compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and a Windows version is set to be launched soon.

More than 600 influential authors, intellectuals and media experts are participating in the 25th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF 2015), organised under the auspicious patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair runs until 13 May at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

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