The seventh edition of the annual Al Ain Reads, being held at the Al Ain Convention Centre from October 4th – 11th, has attracted a record 70 exhibitors and seen a 15% increase in exhibition area over last year’s edition, organisers Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, TCA Abu Dhabi, have revealed.

The exhibition is expected to attract book lovers from all over the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman, with the event now being expanded to eight days following overwhelming demand from exhibitors and publishing houses.

Al Ain Reads 2015 will feature more than 60,000 literary, scientific, children’s and educational titles in English, Arabic and other languages. The literary flair of Emirati writers and emerging cultural issues will be discussed throughout a series of sessions in its dedicated cultural programme.

"Al Ain Reads 2015 is one of the most important book fairs in the region. It has succeeded in attracting quality participation from local publishing houses that are focusing greater emphasis in developing the publishing industry," said Juma Al Qubaisi, Executive Director of the National Library division at TCA Abu Dhabi.

"We have established Al Ain Reads in successive years to provide an annual platform to display books by an increasing number of local publishing houses, with visitors from all over the UAE, especially Al Ain university students attracted to the event," he added.

The expansion of the Oasis city’s book fair follows a successful Al Ain Reads 2014, which attracted 67 local publishers displaying over 55,000 Arabic and English literary and scientific works.

"We expect over 35,000 visitors this year, following the expansion of the fair to eight days, who can participate in a series of evening lectures by eminent Emirati authors and innovators to highlight the cultural issues in the area," added Al Qubaisi.

It is expected that the group of Emirati writers’ series of seminars and discussion sessions for scholars, and the informative and engaging ‘Creativity Corner’ will remain a major attraction for children, who, along with their parents, will be treated to a unique experience in the world of books, reading and creativity.