The sixth edition of the Arabic literary festival begins tmorrow, October 27, at the Al Ain Convention Center and runs until November 2, with lectures and workshops that focus on local novels, poetry and culture.
Headlining this year’s event is the acclaimed novelist Lulwah Al Mansouri, who has published several novels and short- story collections and is a member of the Emirates Women Writers Association.
She will be joined by Alsaad Al Menhali, the editor-in-chief of National Geographic Al Arabiya (which is owned by Abu Dhabi Media, publisher of The National), and Poetry Academy director Sultan Al Amimi.
Organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism and culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and publishing promotional organisation Kitab, the event aims to foster and develop the local literary scene.
“This year we have more than 60 exhibitors,” says Mohamed Abdulla Alshehhi, TCA Abu Dhabi’s director of research and publications. “It is notable that the local book industry is booming due to Emirati intellectuals.”
Alshehhi highlighted the fact that the festival programme features “three generations of writers debating different topics in open-panel discussions”. Some of the sessions feature the elder statesmen of the UAE publishing scene.
On Tuesday, Emirates Writers Union member Ali Al Humairi will discuss his five-decade career. Another renowned local figure, Ali Al Rish, will take to the stage on Saturday for a Meet an Author session to shed light on his writing process.
The event also has a special programme for children, featuring live storytelling and sessions on the environment.
Al Ain Reads begins today and runs until November 2 at Al Ain Convention center in Al Ain Visit www.kitab.ae for full details of the programme and timings
