The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has unveiled a rich cultural programme for Al Ain Book Fair 2021 featuring more than 50 of the UAE’s leading academics and writers.
The 10-day event, which runs from 21 to 30 September at Zayed Central Library in Al Ain, will include a total of 24 dialogue sessions, with two to three scheduled for each day, covering the major topics of heritage, literature, poetry, knowledge and art.
“We are pleased to set up a rich and extensive programme for Al Ain Book Fair this year and open up new horizons in Al Ain for both the participants and the community at large,” said HE Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre.
“We have designed events that celebrate our 50 years of cultural heritage and the talented authors and poets behind this heritage. We shall also highlight our glorious present and the emerging talents destined to enlighten the next 50 years. In offering such a rich and extraordinary experience, we hope to encourage the enthusiasm for culture in the community, especially as we return to our normal way of life after the pandemic.”
The programme features local and regional speakers including HE Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh,Cultural Advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates and Chancellor of UAEUniversity; HE Saeed Al Nazari,Director General of the Federal Youth Authority; Isobel Abulhoul,CEO and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation; Abdullah Al Gothami, Saudi academic and critic, and many others.
The fair will also host renowned authors and writers such as Sultan Al Ameemi, Ahmad bin Thani, Asmaa Siddiq Al Mutawaa, Adel Khozam, Lulwa Al Mansoori, and Ali Abu Rish, as well as poets such as Ibrahim Al Hashimi, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Shamsi, Awad bin Al Saba Al Ketbi, the playwright Saleh Karama, and more.
On the topic of heritage, the five dialogue sessions are titled: Zayed and Al Ain…How the Place Inspired the Founding Father; Al Ain, 50 Years of World Heritage and National Identity; Al Ain in the World Cultural Heritage List… A Leading Arab Example; Legacy and Heritage…An Overview of Al Ain’s Castles and Forts; and Fieldwork Research Projects in Al Ain.
The 11 literature sessions include: Arabic Language and Cultural Understanding; Future of Emirati Literature: Young Authors and the Vision for the Next 50 Years; Emirati Riches: 50 Set Plans for the Coming 50; Emirati Authors and Literary Awards for 2021; Literary Al Ain…An Innovation Describing Women and the Land; Emirati Authors in World Languages; Emirati Novel: Public Heritage and Literary Forms; Stories of Al Ain in the Voyagers’ Tales; Children’s Literature…Critically Pioneering Experiences; Future Girls Sketching the Past; and Basics of Rhetoric and Leadership Skills.
On poetry, the two sessions cover: History of Poetry…Al Ain Poets Celebrating 50 Years of Creativity; and Al Ain in the Eyes of Poets…A Poetry Reading.
The three sessions on knowledge include: UAE Centennial and Zayed’s Ambitions; Identity between the Lines of Novels by Emirati Female Writers; and Role of Oral History in Fostering National Identity.
The art sessions cover: Stars Across UAE Skyline; Emirati Music and Drama Production…Reality and Future Horizons; and Emirati Arts, Lights and Talents at Al Ain Film Festival.
The UAE’sGolden Jubilee will also be celebrated at the book fair with various events, cultural dialogue sessions, children-specific programmes, entertainment and educational shows, and skill development workshops.
The exhibition management at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre has committed to the highest standards to ensure the safety of all visitors, exhibitors and staff at the event. Visitors aged over 16 must have received the two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, while all presenters, participants, and visitors above 12 years of age must demonstrate a negative PCR test result taken no more than 48 hours previously through the Al Hosn smartphone app.
Visitors temperatures will be checked at the entrance and social distancing will be maintained throughout the venue.Visitor numbers inside the exhibition halls and exhibitors pavilions will also be limited to avoid overcrowding.
To attend, an electronic access card must be obtained, either through the website https://www.tawzea.ae/ar/alain-book-fair or the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair smartphone app.
