More than 200 events, ranging from book launches and author discussions to creative workshops, will take place during the 15th Al Ain Book Festival. Running until Saturday, the annual event is an important part of the UAE literary landscape.
The festival, organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, is being held in Al Ain Square at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium. This year's theme is All Eyes on Al Ain.
The event will feature poetry readings, theatre productions and cultural seminars by Emirati authors and organisations, with more than 200 exhibitors in attendance and 100,000 books showcased.
“The festival promotes Al Ain’s position as a cultural and intellectual hub, highlighting its deep connections to culture, books and education while being home to some of the UAE’s oldest and most prominent universities,” said ALC chairman Ali bin Tamim. Here are five key sessions to check out at the book fair:
No Impossible: A Conversation with Israa Al Ameri
Wednesday, November 20, 7:30pm
The Emirati poet will share her experiences overcoming a series of health conditions through willpower and wisdom gleaned from her favourite Arabic poets. Adding to the atmosphere are a series of short musical interludes featuring Arabic folk music.
Book Launch: The Humdrums of Culture
Thursday, November 21, 6pm
A member of Abu Dhabi's ruling family will appear at the Al Ain Book Fair to formally launch her latest book. Sheikha Alyazia bint Nahyan Al Nahyan, an ambassador for culture for the Arab League's Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation, will discuss themes behind her new work, The Humdrums of Culture. The book offers her reflections on Arabic and Western philosophy and draws on Arabic heritage and culture to propose ways to navigate the tensions of everyday life.
Among the Flowers and Bees: The Adventure of the Youngest Beekeeper in the UAE
Friday, November 22, 6pm
Touted by organisers as the youngest Emirati beekeeper, Mahra Al Naqbi has been creating quite a buzz. Trained by the UAE's Beekeepers Association, the 12-year-old is one of the winners of the 2024 Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award for her efforts in promoting a craft essential to UAE heritage and the surrounding environment.
Raising Awareness About Health Rumours
Friday, November 22, 7:30pm
In the era of social media, separating fact from fiction is crucial in discussions about health and treatments. Dr Mohamed Ahmed El Maghawri Shanab, an Internal Medicine Specialist from Abu Dhabi's Burjeel Hospital, will provide examples of credible sources to combat the rising tide of online misinformation surrounding health diagnoses and treatments.
The Realm of Melody
Friday, November 22, 8:30pm
The festival will host stirring concert by The Arab Choir. The Abu Dhabi ensemble will perform songs inspired by the poetry of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, alongside a selection of popular classical Arabic songs.
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Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
