News DeskAbu Dhabi, UAE – The 33rd Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF 2024) has taken a significant leap towards digital transformation by introducing a first-of-its-kind digital payment system in the Arab world. This innovative move aligns with the UAE’s ambitious vision for digital transformation and its commitment to leveraging the latest software, technologies, and artificial intelligence.
The ADIBF, which will run until 5 May, has become the first cashless book fair. The digital payment system operates using a device specifically designed and programmed for the Fair, connected to various banks’ payment networks. This allows users to pay with their cards, Apple Pay accounts, or other similar methods, through devices available in the exhibition halls.
For visitors carrying only cash, the system offers a unique solution. They can deposit the amount into the device and receive a card loaded with the deposited amount, enabling them to pay for books from any available device in the Fair. Any unspent balance on the card can be reclaimed in cash from the same device used to issue the card.
The digital payment method aims to significantly reduce sales and cash-related errors during the Fair to potentially zero. It also enables exhibitors from other countries to utilise all their data for their more than 250,000 titles, using the device to keep track of books sold. The system deposits the proceeds into their bank accounts at the end of the day, along with a detailed sales report.
For publishers without a bank account or unable to access banking services, a financial centre has been established. This allows them to receive the value of their sales in cash at the end of the day or after several days, if they prefer, upon selling a set number of their publications.
Moreover, an artificial intelligence-powered system has been implemented for future use to generate reports on crowd congestion within the fair. The system outlines a structure of the fair, identifies real-life congestion spots, tracks the number of visitors and their preferences with regards to the available books, and monitors the sales process. Through this AI-based system, a connection is established between visitors and the products sold, thereby identifying the best-selling titles and other details related to the Book Fair.
This innovative approach to digital transformation positions the ADIBF 2024 as a pioneer in integrating technology into cultural events, enhancing the visitor experience and streamlining operations for exhibitors and organisers.
