Arabic literature in spotlight... 6 new books

As the UAE celebrates ‘World Book Day’ on Saturday, the power and importance of Arabic literature is at the centre of this celebration.

The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) launched six new Arabic literature books during Abu Dhabi Festival’s ‘Riwaq Al Kitab’ book launch and signing this week.

Held in association with the Emirates Writers’ Union, Riwaq Al Kitab also saw the signing of a Letter of Cooperation (LoC) between ADMAF and Emirates Writers’ Union, which will enable the two leading cultural organisations to contribute to the continuing development of the Emirati literature sector.

As the ‘UAE Reads’ campaign gains momentum, the Abu Dhabi Festival and ADMAF-driven initiative seeks to highlight the importance of Arabic literature, and give writers a launch platform.

Collaborating with three key publishing houses, the event saw the launch of six new books, including ‘Origami Tea’ by Badriya Al Shamsi, ‘The Fantastic Hot Air Balloon’ by Shaima Al Marzouqi and ‘The Bedouin Penguins’ by Asmaa Al Ketbi under Dar Al Hudhud.

Other books include, ‘Dowan’ by Khawla Al Tayer, ‘Rubaiyat Al Khayyam’ by Mohammad Nouraldin under Dar Nabati; and ‘Philosophical Insights in Governance and Equestrianism’ by Ali Abu Alreesh under Dar Hamaleel.

Hoda Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and the Abu Dhabi Festival said: “Riwaq Al Kitab is ADMAF’s contribution to the 2016 Year of Reading.

“It not only marks a major step in the  presence of the UAE in Arabic literary development but also in keeping Arabic literature alive and growing its readership.

“As we look ahead to the future, we look forward to working in partnership with the Emirates Writers’ Union and the UAE’s key publishing houses to ensure our literature and heritage are kept alive, and that our younger generations are inspired to write, create and be proud of their language.”

Habib Al Sayegh, Secretary-General of the Arab Writers Union and Chairman of the Emirates Writers Union said: “The signing of this letter of cooperation between the Emirates’ Writers Union and the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation reflects the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership, it strengthens mutual cooperation in order to enable cultural renaissance, embedding Emirati innovation across multiple disciplines.

“We draw gratefully upon the support and patronage of Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, whose ministerial role has been crucial in providing a federal umbrella for every cultural accomplishment in the publishing, writing and translating fields.”

Al Sayegh added this Letter of Cooperation would bring additional support in the shape of pioneering cultural programmes and initiatives that will increase community awareness, underscore the importance of culture and creativity, and increase appreciation for literature.

He stated: “This collaboration will build a strong support network for literature and publishing, embedding a culture of reading while simultaneously increasing awareness of its benefits, most notably knowledge.

“The Emirates Writers’ Union embraces every initiative with the potential to strengthen publishing, knowledge development and documentation through both paper and electronic publishing, using all efforts to develop knowledge, represent identity and enrich Arabic content with an Emirati fingerprint.”

The Abu Dhabi Festival takes place across the UAE, from until April 30, 2016.
 

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