AL AIN (WAM)
As part of the Cultural Programme of Al Ain Book Festival 2024, organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in Al Ain hosted a panel discussion titled ‘Emirati Writers’, which was attended by a group of students who explored the contributions of Emirati authors and poets towards enriching the local literary scene.
Dr. Noura Khalil, a Faculty Member in the Department of Arabic Language and Literature at the university, and the session moderator, asserted the importance of encouraging young people to read and take an interest in local literary production.
Meanwhile, UAEU student Mohammed Al Alawi spoke about Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, highlighting his role in developing the culture and knowledge sector in the UAE, as well as his various contributions, from establishing ‘Huroof Arabiya’ magazine and the Cultural and Scientific Symposium, through his role as former Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), to his current position at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation.
Moreover, Al Alawi highlighted some of Al Murr’s writings, known for their linguistic simplicity and close connection to the community, such as ‘A Place in the Heart’ and ‘People’s Words’.
For her part, Dhabiya Al Ketbi, also a student, gave a presentation on the poet Rabie bin Yaqut, explaining that his poems addressed important social issues, such as the high cost of living and cultural shifts, while also celebrating the UAE’s heritage through his poems about the desert, the sea, and love for the homeland. Al Ketbi recited some selected verses that were admired by the audience.
Concluding the session, student and writer Sarah Al Shanqiti highlighted her writing experience, stressing the impact of her studies in Arabic Language and Literature on her literary style. She touched upon her first book ‘Crossing Through Hearts’, a collection of short stories centred around characters who lose something precious, and through their search for it, find wisdom.
The session closed with a dynamic dialogue between the speakers and the audience, who praised the festival, and this kind of event in general, for the role they play in strengthening young generations’ connection to Emirati literary production and engages them in efforts to preserve cultural identity.
Al Ain Book Festival 2024 kicked off its activities at Al Ain Square - Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, where it is set to take place, along with various other heritage, cultural, and tourist locations across the city, from November 17 to 23, under the theme ‘All Eyes on Al Ain’.
This year’s festival presents more than 200 events and activities, bringing together a distinguished group of pioneers in culture, art, and poetry from various creative fields. The event aims to promote a culture of reading and encourage members of the community, especially youth and young adults, to engage with Emirati cultural heritage and appreciate its rich legacy.