Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is organising the Al Dhafra Book Festival 2023 under the theme ‘Celebrating a Cultural Legacy’ from 4 to 10 December at the Public Park, Madinat Zayed.

The annual Al Dhafra Book Festival reflects the ALC’s objectives to promote the Arabic language as a core pillar of the Emirati identity and culture and encourage a love of reading and knowledge among all segments of society. This year’s edition brings together 50 exhibitors and features a packed programme that documents the Emirati community’s connection to its rich past.

His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said: “Building on the success of previous editions, Al Dhafra Book Festival 2023 offers a rich programme that spotlights Emirati cultural, literary, and artistic heritage. The agenda promises visitors a rich and memorable experience with a comprehensive range of cultural, educational and entertainment activities that caters to all members of the public.”

“The festival is closely connected to the unique nature of the Al Dhafra region,” H.E. bin Tamim added. “It works to strengthen people’s relations with the authentic local Emirati heritage, which is a source of inspiration and fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty to the nation.”

For the second consecutive year, the festival presents the ‘Poetry Nights: Voices Loved by People’, featuring a selection of poets from the Al Dhafra region. The agenda includes ‘An Evening with Poet Ali Ahmed Al Kandi Al Marar’, ‘An Evening with Poet Rashad bin Sendiah Al Mansoori, ‘An Evening with Poet Rashed bin Ftaimah Al Mansoori, ‘An Evening with Poet Ali Salem Al Hamli, ‘An Evening with Poet Abdullah Omar Bakheet Al Mansoori’, and ‘An Evening with Poet Mubarak bin Yafoor Al Ameri. Moreover, the festival will host a ceremony to honour the winners of the first edition of Sard Al Thahab Award, launched by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre to honour narrators of biographies, literature, and folk narrations locally, regionally, and globally.

Al Dhafra Book Festival 2023 is celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on the first day of the event, presenting a series of seminars, activities, and artistic performances featuring students from the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination. The seminars include ‘Yes I Can!’, which highlights successful experiences of mothers caring for their children with disabilities, and ‘A Story of Hope’, which addresses the empowerment of People of Determination and their integration in education.

The festival programme’s cultural seminars include ‘Sustainability from Ancestors to Descendants’, in collaboration with the Environment Friends Society, ‘Arab Youth of Today and Their Connection with the Linguistic Heritage of the Arabic Language’, in collaboration with the Arabic Language Youth Council.

At the children’s corner, the festival offers a diverse range of activities and programmes for children and youth to enhance their intellectual growth and skill development in an entertaining and educational setting. In attendance will be a selection of beloved characters who will engage with children through interactive sessions.

In addition, the Al Dhafra Book Festival is introducing a youth section for the first time, with a media corner, science shows, a space corner, and chemistry and physics corners. These will present specialised activities for young people over the age of 12 which expand their knowledge and stimulate innovation and curiosity.

The festival’s arts programme this year features a variety of creative aspects including floor murals, caricatures, a new photography corner, arts, chemistry, space, and physics.

Al Dhafra Book Festival 2023 will be open daily from 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM, and is held in collaboration with the Municipal Community Centre at Al Dhafra Region as a partner and PayRaw as a logistic partner. The programs are also organised in collaboration with a group of partners, including the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, the Arabic Language Youth Council, the Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan Future Generation Society, and the Environment Friends Society.

For more information about the event, and for the full programme, visit https://adbookfair.com/adbf.