Al Ain Book Festival 2024 Kicks Off To Promote Emirati Culture And Reading

The Al Ain Book Festival 2024 has commenced at Al Ain Square - Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), it is under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The festival, themed "All Eyes on Al Ain," will continue until 23rd November, featuring over 200 events and activities.

The festival aims to foster a reading culture and encourage community engagement with Emirati heritage. It targets youth and young adults, promoting appreciation for the rich cultural legacy of the UAE. This year’s event gathers pioneers in culture, art, and poetry from diverse creative fields.

Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, highlighted the significance of H.H. Sheikh Khaled's patronage. He stated that it underscores the festival's success and solidifies its status as a key cultural destination. The event promotes knowledge, celebrates cultural icons, and supports book publication.

Dr. Ali further noted that the festival aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision to nurture avid readers connected to their language and culture. It strengthens ties to Emirati heritage and values while supporting the strategic efforts of the ALC to enhance the presence of Arabic as a cultural identity component.

The festival enhances Al Ain’s reputation as a cultural and intellectual centre, showcasing its deep ties to education and literature. The city hosts some of the UAE’s oldest universities, reinforcing its role as a hub for learning and culture.

The event also supports Al Ain’s recognition as the Capital for Gulf Tourism 2025 by highlighting its leading cultural sites. These venues host various festival activities inspired by UAE’s rich heritage.

Diverse Venues and Activities

Visitors can explore notable publications across all cultural fields at this exhibition. With 200 exhibitors presenting 100,000 scientific and intellectual titles, it invites public participation in a unique movement aligned with Abu Dhabi’s cultural achievements.

Events are held at six main venues: Al Ain Square - Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Jahili Fort, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), and three malls hosting ‘Khazanat Al Kutub’ activities. This reflects ALC's vision to create a knowledge-based society.

Preserving Poetic Heritage

A key initiative is ‘Poetry Nights: The Sung Poetry,’ which highlights UAE’s efforts in preserving folk poetic heritage. It includes segments like ‘The Missing Yet Present,’ honouring poets who passed away in 2024; ‘Beginnings and Development,’ discussing media roles in poetry preservation; and ‘Poets Majlis,’ recreating traditional poetry gatherings.

This edition celebrates Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan's legacy through "Poetry Nights." His support for literature and poetry is commemorated alongside his dedication to promoting culture among generations.

The festival not only showcases literary works but also strengthens community ties through shared cultural experiences. By engaging with Emirati heritage, it fosters an appreciation for tradition while encouraging future generations to embrace their roots.

With inputs from WAM