Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has inaugurated the first edition of the Al Dhafra Book Fair.

Held from March 18 to 21 in Madinat Zayed in Al Dhafra Region, the book fair showcases publications of many Emirati writers in various fields of literature, poetry and history.

For its first edition, the book fair offers visitors a wide range of cultural events and programmes aimed at encouraging a habit for reading, and a love for knowledge and creativity. In addition, the participation of more than 20 local publishers and distributors will provide access to a broad variety of books and the latest publications in all fields of interest. 

Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We are proud to launch the first edition of Al Dhafra Book Fair, emphasising our determination to further stimulate cultural and educational activity in Al Dhafra Region, to be in line with similar achievements in the capital, Abu Dhabi.

“The book fair is a perfect opportunity for the community to meet and exchange ideas, especially given  the participation of renowned local and Arab writers and intellectuals, in addition to the most prominent local publishing houses and cultural institutions. These groups  also get a perfect opportunity to present their publications to Al Dhafra’s public.”

Al Dhafra Book Fair aims to further public awareness of  the local publishing industry, and encourages young writers to express their thoughts and opinions on various cultural and creative aspects of the intellectual Emirati scene through a number of talks and discussion panels.

Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Acting Executive Director of Dar Al Kutub (the National Library Sector) at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Al Dhafra Book Fair contributes to creating an atmosphere of intellectual interaction amongst its visitors, an open  platform for all cultures. This platform encompasses creative literary products, whether in the field of poetry, fiction, critique, philosophy, politics, or science, material that  offers the work of some of the greatest minds residing here in the UAE, as well as that of emerging talent.”

We accept Guest Posts

Download the Dubai City Guide iPhone mobile app

DubaiCityGuide.com is owned and managed by Cyber Gear