Source: Abu Dhabi
Under the patronage of His Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, representative of the ruler of Abu Dhabi in the Al Dhafra region, curtain fell on the activities of the 3rd edition of “Al Dhafra Book Festival 2022”, which was held under the slogan “Celebrating a cultural legacy”.
Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, a part of the Department of Culture and Tourism- Abu Dhabi, launched the event with a new brand identity to become an innovative cultural festival that enhances Abu Dhabi cultural agenda, connects Al Dhafra region community with their authentic Emirati heritage, and documents their connection to the ancient past to inspire pride and glory, and promote a sense of belonging and national loyalty. The festival also aims to create a society of cultured and avid readers who can make significant contributions to the UAE’s continuous development and progress.
41 local publishers and distributors participated in the festival, provided Al Dhafra community with the latest publications in culture, books and literature. The festival, in its new look, presented an innovative and inspiring cultural experience, bearing a festive character full of culture, education, entertainment, and artistic performances. The festival attracted 32,605 visitors, a large number of whom were families, to enjoy the various activities at the festival 4 thousand square-meter site in the Public Park in Zayed City.
HE Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, said: “The great success achieved by the renewed edition of Al Dhafra Book Festival, following the impressive success of Al Ain Book Festiva”, confirms the renewable culture creativity in Abu Dhabi and its ability to
interact with the environment and the community. It also confirms the prosperity, brilliance and uniqueness of the cultural phenomenon in the capital in its national identity.
His Excellency thanked the publishers, writers, intellectuals and partners who contributed to the success of Al Dhafra Festival with their distinguished creativity and their keenness to deliver their cultural product to the Al Dhafra community of readers, being key partners in the efforts of Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, which seeks through these forums to consolidate and protect Emirati values and cultural heritage to inspire future generations. His Excellency also thanked Al Dhafra audience, whose interaction with this exceptional event had a major role in its success and the achievement of its goals.
“Al Dhafra Book Festival 2022” presented, within its framework, a wide range of diverse literary, musical and heritage-based activities in an attractive festive atmosphere, and provided the opportunity to enjoy various forms of cultural content. The program included more than 100 activities, covering various topics, the most important of which were cultural evenings held throughout the days of the festival, entitled “Voices Loved by People”, to celebrate renowned and popular poets and artists from Al Dhafra.
About Al Dhafra Book Festival
Established in 2018, the Al Dhafra Book Festival, formerly known as the Al Dhafra Book Fair, celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Al Dhafra region and the inspiring works of Emirati writers, thinkers and creators.
The festival, which was renamed in 2022 and is organized by the Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language, offers a diverse program aimed at promoting a culture of reading and inspiring people to communicate with Emirati heritage, culture and creativity by bringing life to Emirati stories, poetry, art and music for everyone.
About Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language
The Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language was established by the President and is affiliated with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to support the Arabic language and to set general strategies for its development and advancement scientifically, educationally, culturally and creatively, and to enhance civilized communication and mastery of the Arabic language at the
local and international levels. In addition, it supports Arab talents in the fields of writing, translation, publishing and scientific research, the manufacture of audio-visual content, and the organization of book fairs. The center works to achieve these goals through specialized programs, outstanding human staff, and partnerships with major cultural, academic and technical institutions around the world starting from the center’s headquarters in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi.
An overview of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi leads the sustainable growth of the culture and tourism sectors in the emirate, nourishes the capital’s economic progress, and helps it achieve its ambitions and global leadership on a larger scale. Thr