ALC Showcases Cultural Programme At Cairo International Book Fair 2025 To Promote Arabic Language

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) is taking part in the 56th Cairo International Book Fair. This event, organised by the General Egyptian Book Organisation, runs from 23rd January to 5th February 2025. The fair's theme is "Read... In the beginning was the Word." ALC aims to promote the Arabic language and support publishing through a cultural programme.

ALC's pavilion will display 600 titles, including 85 new works from initiatives like the Kalima Project for Translation, Basaer series, and Esdarat. Panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions will highlight ALC's objectives and literary awards. Visitors can also purchase the latest ALC publications at the pavilion.

A significant seminar titled ‘The Sheikh Zayed Book Award and the Support of Arab Creative Industries’ is planned. It features Dr. Ahmad Elsaid of Bayt Alhekma Cultural Group, Dr. Al Shaimaa El-Demerdash from Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and publisher Dr. Fatima Al-Boudy of El Ain Publishing House. Journalist Mahmoud Sharaf will moderate this discussion on the award's importance.

Another seminar, ‘Sard Al Thahab: Visual Narration in the Service of Arab Culture’, will focus on the Sard Al Thahab (Golden Narrative) Award. Speakers include Abdulrahman Mohamed Al-Naqbi from ALC, Prof. Dr. Hussain Bakr from the Academy of Arts, Dr. Shawkat El-Masry from Cairo’s Academy of Arts, and author Walid Alaadine. Sherif Abdel Meguid will moderate this session exploring how the award enriches literary narratives.

Through its participation in this book fair, ALC seeks to enhance readers' collections with new publications while strengthening Arabic publishing and promoting a reading culture in Arabic. The Centre also aims to build stronger ties with Egyptian and Arab cultural institutions by hosting daily discussions with writers and intellectuals at its pavilion.

Cultural Engagements and Discussions

The Centre’s programme includes an Arabic Coffee podcast series in collaboration with Ghaya Foundation. Various Arab intellectuals, artists, and writers will share their experiences and projects through this platform. Additional seminars will cover themes like "Popular Narratives: Insights into Creative Experiences" and "Digital Transformation: A Gateway to the Future of the Publishing Industry."

ALC plans a virtual panel discussion with Arab and international publishers to address key issues in Arabic publishing. Special evening sessions will feature art publications discussions such as "Visual Art and Poetry: A Mutual Exchange of Influence," attended by notable writers, poets, and publishers.

The Cairo International Book Fair hosts 1,345 publishing houses from 80 countries this year, with Oman as Guest of Honour. It is one of the region's largest book fairs, highly regarded by Arab and international writers, intellectuals, and publishers alike. Last year's event attracted around 4.7 million visitors.

ALC’s involvement in this prestigious fair underscores its commitment to enriching Arabic literature while fostering collaborations within cultural communities across Egypt and beyond.

With inputs from WAM