Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) continued to offer thought-provoking discussion and valuable insights for attendees, with sessions including ‘Islam and the West: Past, Present and Future’ featuring Dr. Bilal Al-Arfa Lee, Professor of the Sheikh Zayed Chair in Arabic and Islamic Studies at the American University of Beirut, and Ed Husain, a prominent British writer and a professor at Georgetown University in Washington DC.

Having written numerous books on Islam, Husain explained how all his works are not just about Islam as a religion, but more widely about the future of Britain. With around 5 million Muslims currently living in the UK, and an expected increase in this number in the coming years, the author revealed that he believes combined Muslim populations could have the power to influence 35-40% of governmental seats. “Muslims in the UK can be the kingmakers of the future decision-makers of the country,” he claimed.

Speaking about his writings, he added, “My books and my writings are designed to explain that you cannot read a single book about the history of the West without remembering the debt the modern West owes to the Arabic culture and Muslim civilisation.”

Praising the UAE as a pioneer with a future-focussed mindset, Husain stated that the country is modern and outward-looking whilst remaining rooted in a classical understanding of Islam. “My work is designed to remind students that the West and the Arab world are sisters of civilisation - they are a part of the same family. Islam is a body of ethics that calls us to live our best lives while being conscious that we have to answer to our God,” he added.

Ongoing at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) until 29 May, ADIBF is organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).