The Al Dhafra Book Festival 2023, organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, launched its 4th edition today at Madinat Zayed's public park under the theme “Celebrating a Cultural Legacy”. This Festival's edition is distinguished by a programme rich in cultural, educational, artistic, and entertainment events that showcase local cultural history and foster a sense of belonging, elevating Al Dhafra region to its proper place in the country's cultural arena.

Poetry Nights: Voices Loved by People

For the 2nd year in a row, the Al Dhafra Book Festival dedicates sessions of the "Poetry Nights: Voices Loved by People" programme, which highlight a group of poets and artists from Al Dhafra who have gained fame and had a wide impact in enriching the art of poetry, through special evenings of poetry, music, and singing.

The first poetry session of the programme focused on the poet Ali Ahmed Al Kindi Al Marar's life and most notable works and sung poems, with poets Mohamed Ahmed Al Kindi Al Marar and Ali Al Abdan participating in the conversation, which was moderated by poet Obaid bin Qadlan Al Mazrouei, and singer Muaded Al Kaabi singing a collection of Ali Al Kindi's poems with instrumentalists Ali Al Blooshi and Abdullah Abdulkarim.

Cultural Programme

Within the cultural programme, the Festival offers a number of seminars and sessions on a variety of issues that highlight real-life experiences and challenges, as well as social topics such as sustainability, people of determination, and the importance of the Arabic language.

On its first day, the Festival celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination - Madinat Zayed Centre, as the programme presented an inspiring session entitled "Yes, I Can" in which parents shared success stories in raising their children of determination, showing successful experiences and overcome challenges at various stages of development.

Arts Programmes

The Festival hosts a variety of arts programmes, including murals, 3D drawings, and live art performances, in addition to an area dedicated to displaying the artwork of local artists, as well as artistic activities and workshops for the public. The Festival also dedicates a photography corner for the first time, which includes a photography studio and a display of works by local photographers.

On the first day, the arts programme sessions included a session on the art of decoupage by the visual artist Meitha Al Mazrouei, another on the art of painting with resin by the artist Rana Al Masi, a session on drawing on mirrors by the artist Fatima Al Hammadi, and another on the art of drawing on canvas by the visual artist Aisha Al Mansoori.

Children and Youth Programmes

The Festival has a strong emphasis on activities for children and youth, and it offers a wide range of programmes, events, and activities spread throughout the Festival. On the first day, children and youth enjoyed a number of scientific, artistic, and entertainment workshops, as well as meet-and-greet with their favourite cartoon characters and motor play activities.