Al Ain: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), the Al Ain Book Festival 2024 has commenced its activities at Al Ain Square – Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium. The festival, held under the theme ‘All Eyes on Al Ain’, is scheduled to run until 23rd November and aims to promote a culture of reading while engaging the community with Emirati cultural heritage.
According to Emirates News Agency, this year’s festival features more than 200 events and activities. It brings together pioneers from various creative fields, including culture, art, and poetry. The event emphasizes engagement with youth and young adults, encouraging them to appreciate the rich legacy of Emirati cultural heritage. Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, highlighted the significance of the patronage by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which underscores the festi
val’s success and consolidates its status as a prominent cultural destination.
Dr. Tamim further stated that the festival, with its distinguished vision, supports the Centre’s strategic efforts to promote the Arabic language as a key component of cultural identity. This aligns with the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s vision to foster a generation of avid readers with strong ties to their language, culture, and Emirati heritage. The festival also promotes Al Ain’s position as a cultural and intellectual hub, while supporting its presence as the Capital for Gulf Tourism 2025.
The exhibition allows visitors to explore notable publications across all cultural fields, with 200 exhibitors showcasing 100,000 scientific and intellectual titles. The ALC invites the public to attend the festival, which has become a unique movement in harmony with Abu Dhabi’s cultural and intellectual achievements. Events are hosted at six main venues, including Al Ain Square – Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Jahili Fort, and the United Arab Emira
tes University (UAEU), alongside ‘Khazanat Al Kutub’ activities in three malls across Al Ain.
A highlight of the festival is the ‘Poetry Nights: The Sung Poetry’ programme, which underscores the UAE’s pioneering efforts in preserving folk poetic heritage. It includes segments such as ‘The Missing Yet Present’, commemorating poets who enriched the poetry scene; ‘Beginnings and Development’, discussing the role of media and initiatives in preserving poetry; and ‘Poets Majlis’, recreating the atmosphere of 1980s poetry gatherings. This edition of the festival also celebrates the legacy of the late Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, acknowledging his support for literature and poetry.
