BackPoetry Nights: Voices Loved by People
The Popular “Poetry Nights -Voices Loved by People" programme returns to Al Dhafra Book Festival for the third consecutive year, featuring special poetry sessions, hosting prominent poets from Al Dhafra, who will recite their poems and share the stories behind them.
Children and Teens Programmes
The programme includes everything related to children and youth’s culture, nurturing the next generation, along with activities that spark their enthusiasm and contribute to developing their skills. It will be presented in a rich and diverse educational and entertaining framework, spread across several corners of the Festival, with each corner offering a unique and distinctive experience that targets various aspects of children and youth’s interests.
Musical Programme
The Al Dhafra Book Festival is alive with music and song, bringing to life the most beautiful poetry and melodies through four exceptional concerts, as well as performances by traditional and folkloric music groups that roam the festival, spreading joy throughout its duration.
Youth League
A dynamic sports programme at the Al Dhafra Book Festival, featuring football and volleyball competitions. It encourages youth participation, fosters teamwork and sportsmanship, and creates an exciting, interactive environment full of energy and enthusiasm.
Daily from 18:00 to 19:00, and from 19:30 to 20:30.
Hadirat Baynunah
For the first time at the Al Dhafra Book Festival, story lovers gather in "Al Hadirah", where they enjoy traditional Arabic coffee brewed over an open fire and listen to storytellers weaving their beautiful tales, reliving memories in an intimate, heritage-filled atmosphere.Don't miss the "Hadirat Baynunah" sessions, offering a truly unique experience.
"Al Hadirah" is a traditional gathering place for the Bedouins, serving as the community council (majlis) of the past. It is a space personally defined by the individual and surrounded by branches of the "Murrakh" tree, which grows in the United Arab Emirates. Other tree branches, such as "Samar" and "Ghaf", are used to support the "Murrakh" branches because they cannot withstand strong winds and harsh weather conditions on their own.
The structure of the "Al Hadirah" is typically built in an open circle on one side, ensuring that the open side is not facing the direction of the wind. It is usually positioned to the east, as the prevailing winds in the UAE are generally from the southeast. This design also helps protect those inside from dust and sand carried by the wind. Many people use "Al Hadirah" during the winter as a causey space for lighting a fire and preparing coffee in a "Dallah" (traditional coffee pot), making it a central space for storytelling and recounting events from the distant past.
Flavourful Nights
A new programme at the Al Dhafra Book Festival that offers live cooking sessions in front of the audience, presented by chefs from the Al Dhafra region and local productive families.Don't miss the chance to taste the most famous traditional local dishes and learn other special and unique recipes.
Arts Workshops
Art workshops designed for youth and teens, offering a creative space for everyone to express themselves through art, where participants learn a variety of artistic techniques under the guidance of professional instructors, providing them with the opportunity to explore their talents in an inclusive and supportive environment.