Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The Al Dhafra Book Festival, being held at the Madinat Zayed Public Park from January 19 to 25, brings readers, writers and families together to explore the power of books and Emirati culture.
Rooted in local heritage, the festival supports creativity, integrity and knowledge exchange, while encouraging reading among visitors young and old.
This year's festival will feature 110 local publishing houses showcasing a remarkable 55,000 titles across diverse fields of knowledge.
For the first time, several important entities, such as Sandooq Al Watan, Fatima Bint Hazza Cultural Foundation, Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, and TRENDS Research and Advisory, will have dedicated pavilions at the festival.
The festival, which seeks to establish Al Dhafra's position in the UAE cultural scene, returns with a fresh programme of cultural, educational and entertainment events.
Madinat Zayed Park, with an area of 230,000 square metres, is located at the entrance to Madinat Zayed. It includes various games for children, as well as games for people with special needs.
It also has sports equipment and a 2-kilometre walkway for exercise, as well as a football field and designated barbecue areas. The park is open to the public from 8am to midnight.
The festival features a cultural programme that includes a series of sessions that celebrate heritage, empower youth, and address community issues.
The popular "Voices Loved by People" showcase returns for a third consecutive year, featuring special poetry sessions, as well as prominent poets from Al Dhafra, who will recite their poems and share the stories behind them.
The festival also features children's educational and entertainment activities that spark creativity and skills development. These include challenges, competitions and educational performances, in addition to collaborations with educational institutions as part of the "On the Path of Knowledge" initiative.
For the second time at the Al Dhafra Book Festival, story lovers can gather in "Al Hadirah", where they can enjoy traditional Arabic coffee brewed over an open fire and listen to storytellers weaving beautiful tales, reliving memories in an intimate, heritage-filled atmosphere.
"Al Hadirah" is a traditional gathering place for the Bedouins, serving as the community council (majlis) of the past.
A new offering at the festival is live cooking sessions, presented by chefs from the Al Dhafra region and local families, where visitors can get a taste of local dishes and learn some traditional recipes.
The festival will host a variety of art workshops designed for the youth, offering a creative space for youngsters to express themselves through art. Participants can learn a variety of artistic techniques under the guidance of professional instructors, giving them the opportunity to explore their talents in an inclusive and supportive environment.
In addition, touring musical performances will showcase local talent.
Highlights of Al Dhafra Book Festival 2026
Youth in the Emirati Family in Collaboration with Zayed Authority for People of Determination
This session focuses on the role of youth in strengthening family cohesion and instilling Emirati values within the family, while highlighting the importance of supporting families of people of determination and empowering them psychologically and socially
January 21 at 5pm
Khubaisa with Semolina
This is an interactive cooking session where foodies can learn how to prepare Khubaisa, a delicious dessert with semolina.
January 21 at 5pm
Stories Passed Down Through Generations
This session invites the audience to add alternative endings to the stories or to share a story they heard from elders.
January 21 at 6:15pm
Al-Wasm in Traditional Medicine
This session highlights Al-Wasm as one of the traditional treatment methods used in Emirati folk medicine.
January 21 at 6:15pm
Shrimp Biryani
An exclusive cooking session where the chef demonstrates how to prepare shrimp biryani in a clear, step-by-step manner. The session will showcase the preparation of the rice and spices, as well as cooking the shrimp to maintain its tenderness and rich flavour.
January 21 at 7:30pm
Voices That Never Fade: In Memory of the Al Hamli Brothers
A session dedicated to commemorating the legacy of the two brothers, Omair and Mohammed bin Hayyi Al Hamli, among the most prominent voices of Al Dhafra and Liwa.
January 21 at 8pm
Qurs
A cooking session where the chef demonstrates how to prepare Qurs, a traditional dish, in a clear, step-by-step way. The session will showcase how to prepare and cook the dough to achieve the perfect texture and rich flavour, along with tips for the best results.
January 22 at 5pm
Between the Hump and the Shade: Daily Life of a Camel Herder
This session takes the audience on a journey into the world of camel herding through the perspective of a pioneering Emirati woman.
January 22 at 6:15pm
Al-Taybeen Macaroni
A cooking session where the chef demonstrates how to prepare Al-Taybeen Macaroni. The session will showcase how to prepare the sauce and pasta to create a flavourful, well-balanced dish, along with tips to enhance taste and texture.
January 22 at 7:30pm
Poet Ali Musbeh Al Kindi Al Marar: The Voice of Memory
A session dedicated to commemorating the poet Ali Musbeh Al Kindi Al Marar, highlighting his poetic journey and contributions to the Emirati literary scene.
January 22 at 8pm
Khameer Bread
Learn how to prepare Khameer Bread in this special session, where the Chef will demonstrate the steps for fermenting and baking the dough to achieve soft and flavourful bread with a balanced texture.
January 23 at 5pm
How can we bring the Arabic language back into the details of our daily lives?
Short challenges for the audience, such as recalling old words or transforming modern terms into Arabic equivalents.
January 23 at 6:30pm
Tempura Sushi
Dive into a Japanese culinary experience with this Tempura Sushi session. Watch the Chef transform fresh ingredients into stunning sushi rolls, paired with crispy tempura that adds a unique touch of flavour and texture.
January 23 at 7:30pm
When the Sea Meets the Poem
A session that revisits the heritage of seafaring communities and connects Al Dhafra poetry with the rhythms of the sea and the sound of the oar.
January 23 at 8pm
Egyptian Meshaltet
Take a flavourful journey into Egyptian cuisine with a live cooking demonstration of Egyptian Meshaltet. Watch the chef demonstrate the preparation process, from layering the dough to cooking it to achieve its distinctive texture.
January 24 at 5pm
Shaping our Identity: A Conversation Between Two Generations
This session explores a dialogue between two generations on preserving and strengthening Emirati identity, through the experiences and contributions of each speaker.
January 24 at 6:15pm
A Mother who Inspires and a Daughter who Achieves
This session focuses on the story of the young falconer Osha and how her mother shared her falconry knowledge and experience with her from an early age.
January 24 at 6:15pm
Butter Chicken with Rice
A cooking session where the chef prepares butter chicken with rice, demonstrating the preparation process.
January 24 at 7:30pm
Youth and Poetry
A poetry evening featuring a group of young poets from the Al Dhafra region, who will exchange verses in an improvised poetic dialogue that embodies the spirit of the desert and the authentic heritage of Al Dhafra.
January 24 at 8pm
Life Skills from Our Heritage: What Do We Need Today?
A workshop on skills acquired from desert and maritime environments, such as patience, teamwork, and self-reliance. How to apply these skills in the contemporary lives of youth.
January 25 at 6:15pm
Lamb Tagine with Prunes
A cooking session where the chef demonstrates the preparation of Lamb Tagine with Prunes, highlighting the balance between sweet and savoury flavours and the cooking method that gives the dish its depth and richness.
January 25 at 7:30pm
