Celebrating and nurturing Emirati literature, Abu Dhabi Festival 2019 yesterday hosted the fifth edition of the Festival’s annual writing programme, Riwaq Al Adab wal Kitab. With the aim of highlighting the wealth of UAE talent and developing its literary sector, the programme continued to support Emirati authors by launching 14 new works in association with the Emirates Writers Union and local publishing houses Dar Nabati and Dar Hamaleel.

Cultivating thought and creativity, and celebrating stories that connect, inspire and intrigue, this year the programme released Qasaid Min Al Sharq Wal Gharb by Dr. Shehab Ghanem; Mata Ya’eesh Al Watan Feena, Part Three by Mohammed al Hammadi; Loghz Al Jawhar by Mohammed al Ammadi; Arak ‘Aksok by Dr. Talal Al Junaibi; Ameerat Hai Al Jabal by Ali Al Humeri; Ana Tafoolatak Al Jameela by Sheikha Al Nakhi; Safer Bi ‘Aqlak by Shaima al Marzouqi; Ghurbat Al Nuwweir by Amer Al Kindi; Hareb Hassan by Mohammed Nouraldin; Diwan by Al Majdi bin Dhaher; ‘Allamani Zayed by Ghaleb Al Kaabi; Shafaraat Al Sa’ada by Fatima al Mazrouei; Al Ebda’ Wal Ibtikar Fi Fikra Mohammed bin Rashid by Abdulaziz al Falahi; and Bil ‘Aql Wal Qalb by Aisha al Za’abi.

Dr. Habib Al Sayegh, Secretary-General of the General Union of Arab Writers and Authors, Chairman of the Board of Emirates Writers Union, spoke about the integral role of ADMAF in promoting Emirati literature and supporting national authors, "Now in its fifth year, Riwaq Al Adab Wal Kitab is a testament to the rising popularity and sustainability of contemporary Arab literature. The authors we support, and the books published are evidence of a culturally flourishing nation."

Huda Ibrahim Alkhamis, Founder of ADMAF and the Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, said, "The celebration of literature is an important facet of Abu Dhabi Festival and ADMAF remains more committed than ever to developing the UAE’s writers. It makes us enormously proud to help nurture Emirati authors with the Emirates Writers Union, as well as the country’s leading publishing houses to highlight the wealth of literary talent we have in our people.

"Literature is one of the oldest, most central foundations for knowledge sharing in society and this year we will publish no fewer than 14 Arabic books written by Emirati Nationals. At a time in human history when reading is becoming ever more rare, it is vitally important to celebrate and promote this unique element of cultural dialogue, underscoring the importance of Riwaq Al Adab Wal Kitab in building bridges between societies and nations rather than tearing them down."

The initiative has been organised by ADMAF as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival’s Youth Platforms and Community Programmes to engage, empower and nurture the UAE’s young creatives.

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