The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair returns this month with a focus on cultural, professional and educational programmes, and as they have the safety and convenience of everyone in mind, this edition of the fair will be hybrid, with a set of more than 100 virtual and physical onsite events in Arabic and English.
In addition, you and your family will be able to enjoy a range of events, performances, and activities that cover all creative and artistic expressions. If you are into cooking, you can enjoy a session with famous Chef Gennaro Contaldo, where he’ll tell you all about his passion for Italian food and his book Pasta Perfecto. There's also an evening of poetry with Nujoom Al Ghanem, Afra Atiq, Mark Fiddes, Shamma Al Bastaki, Zeina Hashem Beck, Danabelle Gutierrez and Carlos Andrès Gûmez.
As part of its educational programme, the fair will be hosting a series of virtual events and onsite educational activities with the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, for all kids from 5 to 18 years old, ensuring your bookworms of all ages will find something interesting to learn.
Older bibliophiles will find a roster of global authors and artists filling the fair’s cultural programme. The fair will feature works from a range of authors across a variety of genres, giving all visitors something to learn from. Gilbert Sinouè, will discuss his novel The Falcon, which contains stories from the life the late Sheikh Zayed. There will also be a couple interesting discussions regarding the pandemic. Kuwaiti writer, Taleb Alrefai will discuss how Covid has increased the demand for reading with Emirati writer, Eman Alyousuf.
If you’re interested in a more historical perspective on the pandemic, Bettany Hughes will join a conversation about the impact of plagues and pandemics on civilisations. Other speakers will include authors and artists like Tayari Jones, Brent Weeks, Sultan Al Amimi, and Mitch Albom.
The fair will also include a series of panel discussions with topics covering things like current issues facing the industry, and languages and their evolution. Workshops will teach illustration, music, the art of writing, and a specialised session to provide industry insights to new and aspiring writers regarding how to publish their work.
When: 23rd – 29th May, 9 AM to 10 PM, Sunday through Saturday and 4 PM to 10 PM on Friday
Where: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre