Your Full Guide to Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024

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Abu Dhabi International Book Fair To Return in May

UAE School Libraries Gifted AED 10 Million Worth of Books

World's Largest Floating Book Fair to Dock in Abu Dhabi on Thursday

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is back in 2024 with a focus on celebrating the literary legacy of renowned Egyptian novelist Naguib Mahfouz. Running from April 29 to May 5 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the event promises engaging discussions and sessions with authors and cultural figures about Mahfouz’s impactful work. 

Highlights of the Fair

- Naguib Mahfouz Focus: The book fair will center on the career and works of Naguib Mahfouz, who became the first Arab author to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1988. His contributions to Arab literature include novels, short stories, plays, and essays.

- Egypt as Guest of Honor: This year, Egypt is the guest of honor, and the event will provide insights into the country's rich literary heritage.

- Books of the World Programme: The fair will feature discussions on Kalila and Dimna, an important work by 8th-century Persian philosopher Abdullah Ibn Al Muqaffa, highlighting the significance of cross-cultural understanding.

Notable Sessions at the Fair

- Film and Literature: Tunisian actor Dhafer L'Abidine and Egyptian director Amir Ramses will discuss their new film adaptation of Ihsan Abdel Quddous's novel *A Nose and Three Eyes* on May 1.

- Literature Discussions: Algerian writer Waciny Laredj, a past winner of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award for Literature, will speak on May 2.

- Future of Publishing: A panel on April 30 will discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on publishing, with speakers from the Emirates Publishers Association and International Publishers Association.

Literary Awards

Several prestigious literary awards will be announced during the fair, including:

- International Prize for Arabic Fiction: Winners will be announced on April 28, with the shortlisted authors receiving $10,000 each and the overall winner earning an additional $50,000.

- Sheikh Zayed Book Award: Ceremony date will be announced soon, with authors recognized in 10 categories, including best literature and young author.

- Kanz Al Jeel Award: This award honors poetry, literary criticism, and visual arts, among other fields.

- Golden Narrative (Sard Al Thahab) Award: Recognizes best Arabic short stories and illustrated works by emerging regional and Emirati writers.

Musical Performances

A free concert by Emirati pianist and opera singer Fatima Al Hashmi on May 4 will celebrate the Arabic language with a program of songs in various dialects and genres.

Keep an eye out for poetry recitals from Emirati and regional poets throughout the fair. With an exciting lineup of events, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024 offers something for everyone interested in literature and the arts.