With the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair finishing on Tuesday we look at the remaining key sessions you don’t want to miss.
Honouring Ousha Bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi
A session paying tribute to one of the country’s most pre-eminent poets who passed away last year. The 98-year-old Al Suwaidi was born and raised in Al Ain in 1920 before moving to Dubai. She is regarded as one of the finest Arabic Nabati poets with her work sung by popular Emirati and Arab artists. Her works went as far as inspiring the poetry of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. He honoured her in 1989 with his first published collection, where he coined her nickname: Fatat Al Arab (Girl of the Arabs).
Today, 5pm, mainstage
Poetry performance by international artists
Acclaimed British author Ben Okri leads a line-up that includes Emirati spoken-word artist Afra Atiq, Lebanese poet Zeina Hashem Beck, Irish writer Frank Dullaghan and Emirati Nabati poet Talal Al Junaibi. They will take turns performing their works, and they’ll discuss some of the meanings behind their evocative wordplay.
Today, 8pm, mainstage
Exceptional: Four Short Plays About Tolerance
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair’s celebration of words also extends to the stage. To celebrate the Year of Tolerance, four short plays will be performed with their plotlines focusing on that theme. Local playwrights Jihad Al Andary, Sahar Ali, Sunil Jasuja and the company Tall Tales Productions will perform the Arab and English plays.
Monday, 8pm, Entertainment Area
Weaving Novels
Fashion house Hanayn and designer Asma Siddiqi collaborate in creating outfits that feature words from classical literary pieces.
Tuesday, 7pm, mainstage
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair runs until April 30 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. For more information, visit www.adbookfair.com
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Read more:
Hoda Barakat wins the 2019 International Prize for Arabic Fiction
Record number of women on International Prize for Arabic Fiction shortlist
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