Al Ain Book Fair to welcome all book lovers

Sheikh Hazza bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Undersecretary of the Court of the Abu Dhabi Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region, opened the ninth edition of Al Ain Book Fair, which presents several intellectual publications by Emirati writers in various fields of literature, poetry and history.

The exhibition opened with a musical performance entitled: 'Paradise of Zayed,' by a group of talented children who sang Emirati, Arab and English songs.

Al Ain Book Fair showcases books published by more than 90 exhibitors presenting thousands of titles, that include scientific and literary references in both Arabic and English.

Sheikh Hazza bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan also reviewed the rich programme of events that have been designed to engage visitors to the exhibition and contribute to the promotion of the UAE publishing industry.

A key aim of Al Ain Book Fair is to encourage public learning about the local publishing industry, and to encourage young writers to communicate through literature that discusses various cultural and creative issues related to the intellectual movement in the UAE.

Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of The Department of Culture and Tourism, said: "This year, 90 local and regional exhibitors will participate in the exhibition, an increase of 17 per cent from the previous years in a space that is 20 per cent larger."

"The number of visitors to the exhibition is expected to exceed 47,000 this year, including school groups, families and young people, which is up nine per cent from the eighth cycle."

He said the growth reflects the developing interest in culture and the book industry in the city of Al Ain in the past years as a result of the Al Ain Book Fair.

"The Al Ain Book Fair is an opportunity for the city to meet and share ideas through the vision and dialogue of the most important local and Arab writers and intellectuals, as well as the most important publishing houses."

The Al Ain Book Fair celebrates a selection of Emirati books and authors through a cultural programme that highlights the rich experience of these artists and presents a summary of their intellectual and cultural output.

The accompanying cultural programme is a focal point for the public, and offers the opportunity to explore topics such as: Ahmed Rashid Thani - Ali Bab Al-Majah, Emirates Prize for Fiction.

The exhibition also includes seminars and discussion sessions on social conversations and how to deal with life and raising children in an intelligent manner.

The exhibition is open to visitors twice a day from 9am to 1pm and from 5pm to 10pm between 24 September and 2 October.

Source: Khaleej Times