Al Ain Reads Book Show puts the spotlight on Emirati Writers

ABU DHABI, 1st October, 2015 (WAM) -- The Al Ain Reads Book Show, celebrating its seventh edition this year, will put the spotlight on Emirati writers and will honour and highlight the literary flair of several leading UAE writers. Organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, TCA Abu Dhabi, from 4th – 11th October at the Al Ain Convention Centre, the Al Ain Reads 2015 Book Show is underlined by the participation of 70 local publishers, and will showcase over 60,000 Arabic and English literary and scientific works. "We are committed to providing an annual platform to Emirati writers and showcase their literary skills with this edition of Al Ain Reads Book Show. The fair will promote dynamic dialogue between authors and readers and represent the diverse spectrum of interests in culture and literature, and is expected to attract a large number of visitors from Al Ain and the UAE, especially university students," said Juma Al Qubaisi, Executive Director of TCA Abu Dhabi’s National Library division. "This year, we have expanded the cultural programme to include topics related to history, heritage and fine arts. The book fair is an important destination for local publishers, authors and readers to meet and interact in a positive and productive environment. The roster of cultural programmes is very rich and diverse featuring a number of interactive discussions on literary, intellectual and heritage themes," he added. Opening on Sunday evening, the programme starts with Saleem Abu Jamhur highlighting his most recent work, ‘Amathil Bnt Ibn Thahir’, while Alsaad Omar Al Menhali, Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic Al Arabiya, will share her vision on the benefits of literary reading clubs. On Monday, the audience will meet film director, actor, writer and broadcaster, Yasser Al Neyadi, to discuss his experience on writing the book "Friday is another Scene", while Hareb Al Dhaheri will share his experience on authoring short stories and novels, in an open discussion. Historian Gaya Al Dhaheri will discuss the theme of collective memory on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday, a seminar on ‘Writers in the Publishing Adventure’ will be held where Talal Salem, Ali Al Shaali and Mariam Al Shenasi will share their experiences in establishing a publishing house. A second seminar on ‘Who supports the Emirati writer’ will be led by writer and journalist, Saeed Hamdan. The fifth day will host researcher and historian Abdullah Abdul Rahman Al Hammadi, who will shed light on the UAE’s cultural roots and symbols from the late 19th to the mid-20th century. Thursday’s second seminar is on the 34th exhibition of the Emirates Fine Arts Society entitled ‘Noah's Ark’, which is due to be held in January 2016. Nasser Abdullah, Chairman of the Emirates Fine Arts Society, exhibition curator, Mohamed Al Mazrouei, and assistant curator, Maitha Abdullah, will host the seminar. – Emirates News Agency, WAM -http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395286155301.html