Abu Dhabi: Under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has inaugurated the first edition of Al Dhafra Book Fair. 
Held from Sunday to Wednesday in Madinat Zayed in Al Dhafra Region, the book fair showcases the publications of several Emirati writers in various fields of literature, poetry and history.

For its first edition, the book fair offers visitors a wide range of cultural events and programmes aimed at encouraging a culture of reading. In addition, the participation of more than 20 local publishers and distributors will provide access to a broad variety of books and the latest publications in all fields of interest.

Saif Saeed Gobash, director-general of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We are proud to launch the first edition of Al Dhafra Book Fair, emphasising our determination to further stimulate cultural and educational activity in the region, to be in line with similar achievements in the capital, Abu Dhabi.

“The book fair is a perfect opportunity for the community to meet and exchange ideas, especially given the participation of renowned local and Arab writers and intellectuals, in addition to the most prominent local publishing houses and cultural institutions. These groups also get a perfect opportunity to present their publications to Al Dhafra’s public.”

Al Dhafra Book Fair aims to further public awareness of the local publishing industry, and encourages young writers to express their thoughts and opinions on various cultural and creative aspects of the intellectual Emirati scene through a number of talks and discussion panels.

Abdullah Majid Al Ali, acting executive director of Dar Al Kutub (the National Library Sector) at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Al Dhafra Book Fair contributes to creating an atmosphere of intellectual interaction among its visitors, an open platform for all cultures. This platform encompasses creative literary products, whether in the field of poetry, fiction, critique, philosophy, politics, or science, material that offers the work of some of the greatest minds residing here in the UAE, as well as that of emerging talent.”

Al Ali added: “The four-day fair celebrates a selection of Emirati authors through a cultural programme that highlights their rich creative experiences. It also features ‘Creativity Corner’, a series of interactive activities for children and youth that takes into account the interests of all ages.”

Through showcasing authorship experiences, Al Dhafra Book Fair will analyse and indicate the impact of the local cultural environment on the creativity and intellectual growth of Emirati writers. It will also provide a unique opportunity for visitors to meet their favourite authors and acquire their signed works.

The book fair is open to visitors twice a day, from 9am to 1pm and from 4pm to 9pm.