50 thousand titles and 200 events at the Al Dhafra Book Festival

Al Dhafra, 8 December / WAM / Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center is organizing the fifth edition of the Al Dhafra Book Festival, in the Public Park in Madinat Zayed, during the period from 9 to 15 December. Under the slogan “Irrigating and irrigating the Dhafra,” with the participation of 100 local and Arab entities displaying 50,000 titles.

The festival, which achieved a growth rate of 100% in the number of participating publishing houses compared to last year, presents more than 200 specific events that consolidate belonging to the Emirati cultural, literary and artistic heritage, and strengthen young people’s connection to reading, through an immersive family experience.

The festival designed its activities in light of a deep understanding of Al Dhafra’s privacy and uniqueness, with the aim of developing the cultural landscape of the region and strengthening its residents’ connection to their ancient heritage.

His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language, said that the Al Dhafra Book Festival continues, through its successive sessions, to shed light on the prestigious status of Al Dhafra, in order to strengthen the relationship between new generations and the authentic heritage of this region, its multiple creativity, and its treasure trove of poetry and poets, and in order to enhance the presence of… The Arabic language, arts and literature in a cultural event that celebrates knowledge, arts and books.

He added that the festival’s activities and programs this year focus on the cultural and cognitive heritage value of Al Dhafra, and show the extent of its unique richness and diversity, as a source of inspiration for many poets and writers who sang of the magic and beauty of the region, in a wonderful artistic expression of the strength of the Emirati person’s connection to nature, his environment, and the vocabulary of his ancient culture.

His Excellency pointed out that the number of exhibitors participating in the festival this year achieved a qualitative leap, confirming the success of the festival idea and the keenness of Emirati publishers to reach diverse segments of society, which contributes to achieving the strategic goals of the Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language related to supporting the local publishing industry and enhancing the status of the Arabic language. Building educated generations who love reading and are more connected to their heritage and authentic values.

This year, the festival introduced several activities, most notably the “Hadira Baynouna” event, which was inspired by people gathering around the “Hakawati” in the past to listen to him tell stories in an interactive atmosphere, and the “Musical Program”, which includes Emirati singing sessions, roaming musical performances, and a concert by the “Arab Chorale” band. “, during which immortal poems by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, are performed, and live cooking demonstrations are presented to visitors in cooperation with Professional chefs and productive families, in addition to the “Junior League” event, which includes sports competitions for young women in cooperation with Al Dhafra Sports Club.

The festival is linked to the specificity of the Al Dhafra region, and derives its vision from its local cultural heritage with the aim of strengthening its position on the cultural scene in the country. It is held in the heart of the Empty Quarter, celebrating the essence of Emiratis’ life and heritage, where the desert intersects with the sea.

For the third year in a row, the festival presents on its main platform the “Poetry Nights: Voices That People Loved” event, celebrating the pioneers of culture and art, including Al Dhafra’s poets and singers. It also hosts educational heritage workshops targeting the “Alpha” generation, in addition to others designed for people of determination.

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