Abu Dhabi, Apr 15 (IANS): India will be the guest of honour at the 29th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair that will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital from April 24 to 30.

Over 1,000 publishers from 50 countries will participate in the 29th edition of the fair, reports The Khaleej Times.

The National Book Trust of India will lead a 100-strong delegation comprising celebrated authors, publishers, literary figures and artists, Smitha Pant, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian embassy, told the media here on Sunday.

"India's participation as the guest of honour is reflective of the deep strategic ties between India and the UAE," said Pant.

"The recently opened Zayed-Gandhi digital museum at the Manarat Al Saadiyat that showcases the teachings and life of the two great leaders is an example of the cultural cooperation that is part of the ties shared by the two countries," she added.

She said India will have the biggest pavilion at the book fair.

Apart from the eminent authors in both English and other regional languages, the pavilion will also host cultural shows, poetry sessions and workshops.