Concert: "I've Fallen in Love, and I'm Not Done Yet" Musician Sayed Darwish Centennial

Darwish's music opens human hearts and arouses deep emotions with each melody. Its rhythms are vibrant, and its harmonies are built from a mix of colours and sounds.

Like a desert flower blooming after a rainstorm. This is Darwish's music.

"I've Fallen in Love.." exemplifies the renewed power of art to inspire and transform. An exceptional artistic show that illuminates the nights of the Cairo International Book Fair aims to honour Darwish's legacy and introduce his music to new audiences, with a focus on his contribution to Egyptian and Arab cultural heritage.

Artists:

• Dr Shady Abdel Salam: Orchestra’s Maestro.

• Mohamed Mohsen: Egyptian Singer and Composer.

• Fatima Al Hashmi: Pianist.

• Abir Nasraoui: Tunisian Singer and Ethnomusicology Researcher.

Language:

Arabic

Wednesday, 24 January

18:00 – 19:00

Abdeen Palace

Libraries: The Hidden Power to Transition into the Future

In the era of social media and online information, public libraries are at risk of becoming obsolete. They remain important as cultural hubs, promoting reading habits, preserving heritage, and adapting to changing times.

The contribution of public libraries to shaping the future of knowledge and culture is critical. They must evolve with technology while preserving their cultural roots. Despite the challenges, public libraries continue to be witnesses to different eras, assisting thinkers and intellectuals.

The question is: What will public libraries do now and in the future?

 
Speakers:

• HE Dr Ali bin Tamim: Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre.

• Dr Ahmed Zayed: Director of the Alexandria Bibliotheca.

• Yahya Riyad: Acting Director General of the Greater Cairo Public Library (GCPL).

Moderator:

• Juma Al Dhaheri: Specialised Libraries Department Director at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre.

Language:
Arabic

Thursday, 25January

12:00 – 13:00

Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s Stand - Hall 3 - Stand B32 - Egypt International Exhibition Centre

Harmony of Words and Art: The Use of Arabic Calligraphy in Paintings Inspired by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's Poetry

Kanz Al Jeel Award Seminar (Arts Category).

Join us for this one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the harmony of words and art through Arabic calligraphy in paintings inspired by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's poetry.

The seminar will concentrate on connecting poetic text and visual art, as poetic phrases from Sheikh Zayed's poems are combined into creative artistic paintings. The cultural and historical significance of Arabic poetry and calligraphy will be discussed, as well as the challenges and opportunities that artists face in this field.

Speakers:

• Saleh Al Anbari: Participant in the Arts category of the Kanz Al Jeel Award’s 2nd edition.

• Hani Shams: Author, Artist, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Akhbar Al Youm Newspaper and Member of the Association of Journalists.

Moderator:

• Hasan Zaki: Composer, Researcher, and Kanz Al Jeel Award Higher Committee Member.

Language:

Arabic

Thursday, 25 January

16:00 – 17:00

Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s Stand - Hall 3 - Stand B32 - Egypt International Exhibition Centre

Ney: A Piece of Reed, a Magnificent Impact

Session and Ney Playing

The Ney is one of the earliest musical instruments that has survived to the present day, and its origins are shrouded in myth.

"Ney: A Piece of Reed, a Magnificent Impact" attempts to clarify the Ney's origins by separating fact from fiction, discussing the Ney's many forms and how they sound differently, outlining the Ney's cultural significance, and touching briefly on its construction and playing.

Speaker:

• Mohammed Antar: Musician and Music Researcher.

Moderator:

• Dr Shawkat Al Masri: Academic and Researcher.

Friday, 26January

18:00 – 19:00

Prince Mohamed Ali Palace (Al Manial Palace) - The Golden Hall

A Musical Biography of Four Eastern Music Legends

Discussion and Book Signing Ceremony

This book introduces readers to four prominent second-generation Egyptian composers: Ali Ismail, Ahmed Sedky, Mahmoud El-Sherif, and Abdel Azim Abdel Haq.

The biography delves into the musicians' personal lives and musical works, as well as their professional practices in other arts, which had a profound impact on their music and gave it a distinct flavour. It also covers the four musicians' contributions to Egyptian and Arab music. 

Speakers:

• Hassan Zaki: Composer and Researcher.

• Ali Al Abdan: Critic, Researcher, and Visual Artist

Moderator:

Language:

Arabic

Friday, 26 January

19:00 – 20:00

Prince Mohamed Ali Palace (Al Manial Palace) - The Golden Hall

The Voice of Creativity: Inspiring Shortlists

Seminar for candidates shortlisted for the 1st edition of the Golden Narrative "Sard Al Thahab" Award (Illustrated Story Category)

The seminar's goal is to inspire attendees, encourage creative thinking and dynamic interaction, and promote communication and interaction among innovators and those interested in narrative arts.

Speakers:

• Ahmed Al Dariny: Shortlisted Candidate for the "Short Story for Published Stories" Category.

• Dr Aidy Ali Gomaa: Shortlisted Candidate for the "Short Story for Popular Narratives" Category.

• Gudura Al Agni: Shortlisted Candidate for the "Narrators" Category.

Moderator:

• Waleed Alaaeldin: Author and Novelist.

Language:

Arabic

Saturday, 27 January

12:00  – 13:00

Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s Stand - Hall 3 - Stand B32 - Egypt International Exhibition Centre

Introduction to the Book "His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan: Insights into the Journey of the Man of Humanity"

Discussion and book signing ceremony in the presence of HE Dr Jamal Sanad Al Suwaidi

Speakers:

• HE Dr Ali bin Tamim: Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre.

• HE Osama Heikal: Egyptian Former Minister of State for Information.

Moderator:

• Mona Al Shazly: Media Professional.

Language:

Arabic

Saturday, 27January

19:00 – 20:00

Prince Mohamed Ali Palace (Al Manial Palace) - The Golden Hall

Literary Awards and Grants: Windows to Creativity

Do awards discourage creativity or new experiments? How do prizes translate into support capabilities for each creator?

This is a discussion about the significant contributions made by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre to the creative industries.

Speakers:

• Dr Mohammed Abu Al Fadl Badran: University Professor, Poet, and Literary Critic.

• Abdulrahman Al Naqbi: Literature Awards Department Director at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre.

• Tarek Rashed: Arabic Language Research and Studies Section Head at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre.

Moderator:

• Dr Berlant Qabeel: Programmes Section Head at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre.

Language:

Arabic

Sunday, 28January

14:00 – 15:00

Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s Stand - Hall 3 - Stand B32 - Egypt International Exhibition Centre

The Medium in the Rules and Theories of Arabic Music

Session and Musical Performance

Speakers:

• Dr Ahmed Yousef Al Taweel: Dean of the Higher Institute of Arabic Music.

• Dr Samah Ismail: Professor of Music Education.

Moderator:

• Dr Haitham Al Haj Ali: Academic and Critic.

Oud Player:

• Majed Suleiman: Musician and Oud Player.

Language:

Arabic

Saturday, 27January

20:00 – 21:00

Prince Mohamed Ali Palace (Al Manial Palace) - The Golden Hall

Editing of Manuscripts: Methods and Challenges

Sheikh Zayed Book Award Seminar (Editing of Manuscript Category)

The seminar discusses an important topic in cultural research, preservation, and heritage. It aims to investigate the various aspects of manuscript investigation and introduce the scientific knowledge and methods used in this field. It emphasises the importance of manuscripts as a source of knowledge and history, as well as the various techniques used to study and investigate manuscripts. It focuses on the investigation tools and techniques used, as well as the key challenges of investigating manuscripts, such as determining the manuscript's source, date, and author, and dealing with the damage and wear and tear caused by ageing.

Speakers:

• Dr Medhat Issa: Director of the Manuscript Centre at the Alexandria Library, and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal "Ulūm al-Makhṭūṭ" (The Science of Manuscripts).

• Dr Hisham Abdel Aziz: Heritage Investigator and Folklore Researcher.

• Dr Nabil Al Shahed: Professor of Rhetoric and Literary Criticism at the Arab Open University of North America.

Moderator:

• Dr Amany Fouad: Sheikh Zayed Book Award’s Higher Committee Member.

Language:

Arabic

Sunday, 29 January

12:30 – 13:30

Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s Stand - Hall 3 - Stand B32 - Egypt International Exhibition Centre

Podcasts and Digital Platforms: New Horizons for Arabic Content

Speakers:

• Ahmed Salah Eldin: Translator and CEO of "Scheherazade" Platform.

• Rasha Mohamed Ezzat: Media Professional and Podcaster.

• Dina Kabil: Publishing Director at El Maraya for Culture and Arts.

• Zeinalabedin Khairy Shalaby: Journalist and Art Critic.

Moderator:

• Rola Al Banna: Literary Agent and Publishing Consultant.

Language:

Arabic

Sunday, 28 January

15:30 – 16:30

Prince Mohamed Ali Palace (Al Manial Palace) - The Golden Hall

Translation in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

Is artificial intelligence a threat to translators? Can we witness the translation of a complete creative work? How can translators take advantage of the strong presence of artificial intelligence in all aspects of their work? What are literary translators' long-term concerns, and how will the translation profession maintain its excellence and essence in the face of machine competition?

Here, we discuss and analyse these issues in the hope that we will be well prepared before the era of technological revolutions that kill creativity and stifle the spirit of translation.

Speakers:

• Dr Ahmad Al Saeed: Author and Chinese Language Translator.

• Mohamed Al Foly: Spanish Language Translator.

• Mohamed Osman Khalifa: English Language Translator.

• Rasha Salah Al Dakhakhny: English Language Translator and Recipient of the Young Translation Award.

Moderator:

• Ayesha Al Mazrouei: Book Fairs and Events Department Director at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre.

Language:

Arabic

Monday, 29January

15:30 – 16:30

Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s Stand - Hall 3 - Stand B32 - Egypt International Exhibition Centre