Al Dhafra Book Festival 2024 To Feature 50,000 Titles And Over 200 Engaging Events

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) is hosting the fifth Al Dhafra Book Festival from 9th to 15th December at Madinat Zayed Public Park in Al Dhafra. Under the theme ‘Al Dhafra: Celebrating a Cultural Legacy’, the event will feature 100 local and Arab publishing houses displaying 50,000 titles. The festival aims to strengthen ties with the UAE’s cultural heritage and promote reading among youth.

Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, highlighted the festival's success in showcasing Al Dhafra's creativity and heritage. He stated, "Over the course of its previous editions, the Al Dhafra Book Festival has succeeded in highlighting the creativity of the Al Dhafra region, its heritage and poets." The festival also fosters interest in Arabic language and literature.

This year's festival agenda includes over 200 events, marking a 100% increase in participating publishers compared to last year. The activities aim to engage families through an immersive experience that connects them with Emirati culture. New programmes like "Hadirat Baynounah" draw inspiration from traditional storytelling gatherings.

Music plays a significant role in this year's festival with Emirati singing sessions, roaming performances, and a concert by the Arab Choir. These performances will feature timeless poems by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Additionally, live cooking shows with professional chefs are planned alongside sports competitions for youth.

The festival will host an awards ceremony at Al Dhafra Fort to honour winners of the Sard Al Thahab (Golden Narrative) award. This award supports storytelling as a cherished art form in the Arab world. The main stage will also feature ‘Poetry Nights: Voices Loved by People’, celebrating cultural pioneers including poets and singers.

Commenting on publisher participation growth, bin Tamim noted it as a milestone reflecting increased interest from publishers to present their works to diverse audiences. This aligns with ALC's strategic goals to elevate Arabic language status in Emirati society and nurture a generation passionate about reading and heritage.

Enhancing Regional Identity

The festival's agenda is crafted with an understanding of Al Dhafra’s unique identity, aiming to enrich its cultural landscape and deepen residents' connection to their heritage. Workshops targeting Gen Alpha and sessions for People of Determination are part of this year’s programme.

Held for three consecutive years, the festival celebrates Emirati life where desert meets sea, enhancing its national cultural standing. It highlights Al Dhafra’s exceptional nature that has inspired poets and writers throughout history.

The event promises a rich blend of literary celebration and cultural engagement, drawing visitors into the heart of Emirati traditions while promoting knowledge sharing across generations.

With inputs from WAM