Our top arts picks this week: aerial photography of the Levant and more

Plus: the Abu Dhabi Book Fair returns and enter the surreal world of Syrian artist Mohammad Zaza.

Italy is the country of honour at the 26th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Satish Kumar / The National

Up in the air: aerial photography from the Levant

Aerial photography had been used for map drawing since the middle of the 19th century but during the First World War it reached new levels of precision and expertise. In the Levant, then under a French mandate, aerial photos were taken by the 39th Aviation Regiment of the Army of the Levant. These photographic missions continued into the 1920s and 1930s, and the results are going on display in Beirut. We see forts, towns, bridges, villages and archaeological sites: the collection is a vital primary source. In the Clouds: A Selection of Aerial Views from the Fouad Debbas Collection runs at the Sursock Museum in Beirut from May 13 to August 1. For more information visit www.sursock.museum.

The surreal world of Syrian artist Mohammad Zaza

Mohammad Zaza was born in Saudi Arabia to Syrian parents but returned to his homeland to study fine art at Aleppo University. He held his first solo show in 2008 and then secured a teaching role at the university in 2010, but the civil war intruded and he eventually sought refuge in Istanbul. Do not expect to see conventional drawings of refugees at this exhibition of his work in Turkey. Here we enter a unique world of sci-fi and surrealism and Zaza explores themes such as nature, humanity and spirituality. The title of the exhibition comes from the words of French surrealist poet Paul Eluard. The Earth is Blue Like an Orange runs at the Depo in Istanbul until May 18. For more information visit www.depoistanbul.net.

Talks, top writers and more at Abu Dhabi book fair

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair returns to the capital this weekend. Now in its 26th edition, this year's is particularly special as it coincides with the UAE's Year of Reading. The winners of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (the Arabic Booker) will also be announced. The country of honour is Italy, and Donato Carrisi, who is Italy's best-selling thriller writer in translation, is attending. There will also be an illustrator's corner, workshops, talks and a mindfulness area. The "Black Box" cinema will also bring the silver screen to the fair, showing 18 films — four from UAE-based filmmakers. The fair runs at ADNEC until May 3. For more information visit www.adbookfair.com.