Por Olivia Snaije para Publishing Perspectives – 23/3/2012
The Abu Dhabi International book fair (ADIBF) opens next week with just over 900 exhibitors, two thirds of which are from Arab countries. The fair’s eZone, dedicated to digital products and technology continues to be one of the biggest attractions at the ADIBF, where Arab publishers can meet with international speakers to discuss the evolution of digital initiatives in the fast growing and diverse area.
[…]
there will be a roundtable discussion on the state of digital publishing in Arab region. Panelists include Shadi Hasan, Managing Director of Dubai-based Rufoof.com and Flagship.co, Sana Ghenima, CEO of Sanabil Med, Tunisia, Salah Chebaro, CEO of Neelwafurat.com, Lebanon, and Octavio Kulesz, Director of Editorial Teseo, Argentina.
In 2010 Kulesz had carried out an in-depth study on digital publishing in developing countries and had, at the time, written the following about the Arab world:
“In the Arab world digital publishing is highly incipient. The Arabic language represents a very powerful cohesive force, which may give rise to electronic platforms with transnational reach, but which at the same time – due to technical issues such as the treatment of fonts – involves numerous challenges. Of course, none of these challenges is insurmountable; in fact, the proliferation of blogs and the eagerness for digital content demonstrated by a section of the population indicate the potential that exists. If there were a way to bring together its human resources and existing technology, the Arab world could become a significant player in the field of electronic publishing.”
[Leer más en Publishing Perspectives – en inglés]
