The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is hosting a rich cultural program for Al Ain Book Fair 2021. Al Ain Book Fair is a local event to celebrate Emirati literature where more than 50 of the UAE’s leading academics and writers will be presenting.
It is a 10-day event running from 21 to 30 September at Zayed Central Library in Al Ain, where an elite group of Emirati authors, writers, and publishers will meet. The book fair will include a total of 24 dialogue sessions, which will cover the major topics of heritage, literature, poetry, knowledge, and art.
The theme for this book fair is ‘A reading generation is a leading generation.’ This event focuses on providing an outlet for cultural exchange and highlights the power of reading. It also aims to celebrate the works of Emirati authors and intellectuals and introduce literary and cultural experiences to readers. More than 100 local publishing houses are participating in this fair to celebrate the nation’s literary legacy.
“Al Ain Book Fair returns with a new edition to emphasize the importance of book fairs as a strategic platform that allows us to communicate with the public, support the publishing sector, and stimulate cultural movement in the IJAE and across the region. We are also about this geads edition comes in light of our national celebrations of the gear of the fifty as we shed light on the literacy in UAE and cultural output that shaped the past five decades,” says Moza Al Shamsi, executive director of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language, Centre and Director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
On the first day of the book fair, it welcomed community members of different nationalities and age groups that reflect the enthusiasm in society for Emirati culture and literature. Many intellectuals discussed how the Al Ain book fair is drawing the attention of the citizens of UAE towards literacy and Emirati cultural heritage. The event has hosted author Dr Mariam Al-Hashemi, who explained the importance of literature for UAE children and their family support in encouraging them to read and interact with and benefit from all the rich and freely available content.
Dr Al-Hashemi believes that every book fairs and other important cultural events can be seen as a ‘breathing space,’ an important catalyst for the prosperity of this creative genre. “Almost every book fair in the UAE allocates space within its program to celebrate children’s literature, whether in terms of reviewing its production, hosting the most prominent writers, or scheduling discussions about the priorities and challenges faced by this genre,” she said.
The second day of AABF started with a panel discussion on the ‘Basics of public speaking and leadership skills.’ In this session, experts from the Toastmasters organization explained the importance of public speaking to communicate with others and achieve success. During the session, Khalil Ailbouni, an Emirati poet, presented poetry based on his life experiences over the past 50 years.
The fair also hosted other sessions like ‘Al Ain… The Legacy of 50 years between World Heritage and National Identity’ and ‘Arabic Language and Cultural Understanding’ that helped visitors to understand the importance of Arabic in building cultural, scientific, and literary bridges and its historical role in facilitating dialogue and laying the foundations for peace.
Covid precaution measures for Al Ain Book Fair
Visitors(above 16 years) attending AABF must be fully vaccinated and hold a negative PCR test report taken within the previous 48 hours to the fair. They also must carry a smartphone having the Al Hosn app installed in it. At the entrance gate, the temperatures of each visitor will be checked, and they are requested to maintain social distancing.
If you are looking for more information about this fair, click here and in case you are planning to attend the fair and haven’t registered yet, click here and enjoy the fair.
