Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed attends Al Ain Book Festival 2024

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, head of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, visited the Al Ain Book Festival 2024. The festival is supported by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC). It will run until November 23, with the theme All Eyes on Al Ain.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

During his visit, Sheikh Khalifa toured the festival. He visited several publishing stands and learned about the different activities, workshops, and events designed to inspire people to read and connect with their culture.

He also looked at books by well-known Emirati and Arab writers in many fields, including literature, science, and culture. Sheikh Khalifa praised the efforts of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre in promoting Arabic and supporting the culture of reading. He also praised the festival’s great organization, which makes it a success every year.

Sheikh Khalifa was joined by important officials, including Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, head of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Dr. Ali bin Tamim, head of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre; and Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said, “The Arabic language and our culture are an important part of who we are. The Al Ain Book Festival helps showcase the work of Emirati and Arab writers, celebrates the Arabic language, and encourages young people to read. The festival brings people together and shows Abu Dhabi’s importance as a cultural center.”

The festival is expecting about 140,000 visitors this year. There will be 200 exhibitors and 100,000 books on display. The festival is also a chance for Emirati writers and artists to share their work in talks and workshops.

One special event at the festival is Poetry Nights: The Sung Poems, which honors Emirati poets. The festival will also remember poets who passed away in 2024. It will show how poetry has changed over time, from oral storytelling to TV, radio, and social media.

At the festival, Sheikha Alyazia bint Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan will launch her new book The Humdrums of Culture. She will join Dr. Fatima Al Mazrouei for a discussion. Another event will celebrate Gulf poets who have left a lasting impact on poetry. The book Absent Yet Present: Farewell to Companions of the Word will be launched in their honor.

The festival events will take place in several places around Al Ain, such as Al Ain Square at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Jahili Fort, and the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). Some events will also be held in three malls in Al Ain. The Zayed Central Library will host a ceremony to award the winners of the Kanz Al Jeel Award.

The Al Ain Book Festival is an important event that encourages people to read, celebrates local writers, and helps people feel proud of their culture.