AL DHAFRA: The Al Dhafra Book Festival is all set to return from December 9 to 15 at Madinat Zayed Public Park, promising an exciting celebration of culture, literature, and heritage. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this year’s edition has seen a 100% rise in participating publishers, with 100 local and Arab publishing houses showcasing 50,000 titles.

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Running under the theme ‘Al Dhafra: Celebrating a Cultural Legacy’, the event aims to deepen the public’s connection to Emirati culture while fostering a love for reading among younger generations. With over 200 events lined up, the festival offers a mix of family-friendly activities, workshops, and artistic performances.

Chairman of ALC, Dr. Ali bin Tamim, highlighted the festival’s role in promoting the Arabic language, saying it strengthens the bond between the new generation and reading while showcasing the charm of Al Dhafra’s heritage. He noted the festival’s growing appeal to publishers, which he sees as a sign of its growing influence on the cultural scene.

New additions for 2024 include “Hadirat Baynounah,” inspired by the tradition of storytelling, and Emirati singing sessions featuring timeless poems by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Visitors can also enjoy live cooking shows with professional chefs and youth sports competitions through the Junior League programme.

The ‘Poetry Nights’ programme will return for the third year, offering performances by poets, singers, and cultural pioneers. For Gen Alpha and People of Determination, there are special heritage workshops and interactive sessions.

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A key highlight will be the Sard Al Thahab (Golden Narrative) award ceremony at Al Dhafra Fort, recognising storytelling as a vital Arab artform. The Al Dhafra Book Festival continues to be a vital platform for preserving heritage, promoting reading, and strengthening cultural ties.