Kalimat Group Brings Arabic Literature to the Fore at Frankfurt Book Fair

Call for greater worldwide focus in quality Arabic publishing

Dubai, UAE, October 17, 2017:  Following its participation at the Frankfurt Book Fair, Kalimat Group has called on authors to produce more quality Arabic literature and for global publishers to explore the market in depth.

The fair, which took place from 11-15 October, is the largest publishing event in the world, featuring more than 7,000 exhibitors from over 100 countries and attended by a quarter of a million visitors. Kalimat Group’s presence was the latest in many of the industry’s most significant and influential fairs and festivals, including Sweden’s Gothenburg Book Fair, just one week before.

Kalimat has been one of the most prominent driving forces to develop Arabic literature and partner with the most talented authors to enhance the market for children's books. From that, the group widened its portfolio through its highly successful Rewayat imprint, specialising in publishing Arabic and translated novels targetting young adults and adults. Kalimat Group’s participation in worldwide events has subsequently proved essential in reaching foreign markets.

Following the conclusion of the fair, Tamer Said, Managing Director of Kalimat Group, said both the quantity and calibre of participants provided the perfect target audience: “Kalimat Group is the regional frontrunner in the field of Arabic Literature publishing and the focal point for worldwide publishers looking to target the Arab market. As one of the industry’s best platforms for acquiring and exchanging publishing and distribution rights, Frankfurt is a must-attend event for us where we can reach a global network with the scope to deliver our message in person and meet with potential partners.”

Following its highly successful participation in the Gothenburg Book Fair last week, Kalimat Group, which featured heavily on the recommended list of many influential Swedish distributors, is exploring potential partnerships with others who also attended the event.

Since its inception, Kalimat Group has participated in 50 international book fairs worldwide and distributed its books in more than 16 countries and 3,000 schools. The group prides itself in publishing the highest-quality books, 30 of which have won prestigious Arab and international awards. Since its inception, Kalimat Group has collaborated with more than 70 authors and 100 illustrators from around the world and translated more than 42 Arabic books into foreign languages. So far, Kalimat Group has published more than 300 Arabic titles.

Frankfurt Book Fair is the world's largest trade fair for books, based on the number of publishing companies and number of visitors. The fair in its current form began in 1949, but it has roots in a centuries-old tradition – in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Frankfurt was central to the distribution of books across Europe.