The UAE’s cultural landscape will go under the spotlight at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), with a series of sessions focusing on Emirati traditions.

Taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from April 26 to May 2, key events have now been announced for the annual event’s 27th edition, including an expanded cultural programme.

Close to home, talks addressing the emirates head-on include The UAE’s Generations of Creative Writing between Arabic, and English and Narration in the UAE – the Brilliance of the Female Voice. A seminar entitled Emirati Poetry and Displaying the Emirati Song will recount the experiences of great Emirati poets.

Last month China was named as the fair’s "Guest of Honour", and a session by music researcher Mustafa Said – entitled Music of China: Ambassador to the World – will compare and contrast traditional Chinese and Arabic musical scales.

The fair’s "Personality of the Year" is the great 12th century Arab scholar, poet and spiritual teacher Ibn Arabi, who will be honoured with live musical performances of his verse, again by Said.

Elsewhere Tunisian singer and songwriter Ghalia Benali will recount her experiences of performing Arabi’s poems, in a seminar entitled Love is My Only Faith.

Organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), the fair will also highlight Audiobook Experiences, which for more than 20 years has been helping the blind and visually impaired.

Other notable sessions include the Arab Reading Challenge – Ambassadors of the Future, which will discuss the largest project in the Arab world to encourage reading among students.


The 27th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair begins on Wednesday April 26, doors open from 11am, and continues until May 2, with normal daily entry hours from 9am-10pm, except Fridays from 4-10pm. For more see www.adbookfair.com.

source: newsdogapp.com