Under the resounding slogan, "All Eyes on Al Ain", the Al Ain Book Festival kicks off its fourteenth edition, celebrating the book as a symbol of literature, science, culture, art, and societal values that have consistently formed an integral part of the mission of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center, driving its cultural and social initiatives across diverse age groups locally, regionally, and globally.
However, this year's festival outlook extends beyond the immediate horizon, envisioning a green and flourishing future by placing a special emphasis on children and youth. The festival seeks to channel their passion, energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm towards nurturing their minds, skills, talents, and capabilities. This commitment aligns with the overarching theme of sustainability; a central focus of this year's festival.
Sustainability, in this context, transcends its environmental connotation. The Al Ain Book Festival 2023 presents it as a comprehensive strategy that includes cultural, artistic, heritage, social, and health sustainability, as well as the sustainability of talents and other areas.
Sustainability: An Emirati Path to a Prosperous Future
To emphasize the importance of spreading awareness about sustainability and its practical applications, as well as showcasing and empowering emerging talents, promoting reading, and addressing challenges related to the Arabic language, Al Ain Square at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium - the festival’s main venue - will host a variety of programs and events for children and youth from November 19 to 25. Key events include celebrations for World Children's Day on November 20 and Space Day on November 25, along with the “We Read for Children” and “The Green Buds” initiatives, interviews, book signings, youth discussions, and exploratory tours.
Children's Corner... Savoring the Flavors of Arts and Crafts
Following its established tradition, this year's Al Ain Book Festival features a special corner for children. Here, children can learn cooking skills while enjoying making cotton candy, decorating cupcakes and biscuits, and crafting cocktail cups. They will also unleash their artistic talents through free-style drawing, foam coloring, and creating mandalas, and mosaic art.
Youth Corner... Ambitions Reaching for the Stars
The Al Ain Book Festival 2023 introduces an innovative zone tailored for teenagers, marking the first time in the festival's history that caters specifically to the age group of 13 to 18 years. This dedicated space is designed around four primary stations: Media, Chemistry, Physics, and Space.
The Media Station incorporates a voice over studio and a 360-degree camera platform, offering young individuals the chance to stand in front of the camera, present news, practice voice-overs and record voice comments.
In the Chemistry Lab, budding chemists will engage in captivating experiments, witnessing phenomena like the vanishing act of vitamin C, the revelation of liquid illusions, the DNA extraction, and insights into magical water and dry ice.
Physics enthusiasts will delve into the realms of sound, electricity, and momentum, the principles of light reflection, the construction of a Catapult, and more.
The final section of the Youth Zone promises to be the most entertaining, as the captivating world of space unfolds. Visitors to the space station can wear astronaut helmets, capture souvenir photos, interact with intelligent robots, observe wind patterns, create paper helicopters, and gain insights into the principles of flight and renewable energy, plasma characteristics, and other engaging educational activities.
Scientific Shows... Experiments that Spark Curiosity
For science enthusiasts of all age groups, the festival offers live science experiments on the theatre stage, including a presentation titled "Kitchen Wonders," revealing the mysteries of everyday ingredients, and another show that ignites curiosity and educates minds through unusual phenomena.
Art Programs... Beauty and Inspiration Through Local Artistry
The Al Ain Book Festival does not overlook the celebration of art that brings beauty to life. It showcases a unique array of art programs, including murals, floor art, 3D drawings and live art performances.
Furthermore, a designated space is reserved for pieces brimming with inspiration and creativity, crafted by local artists who excel in unconventional mediums such as ink, charcoal, burning, environmentally friendly acrylic colors, palm materials, wood and clay painting, and shell art.
Theater Shows... When Life Breathes into Cartoon Characters
On another note, visitors will have an unforgettable experience witnessing the small blue creatures transition from the virtual Smurfs world to reality, in larger sizes with real interaction on the Al Ain Festival stage. The entertaining Bluey show, which always generates significant audience interaction with its charming characters, will also return.
Music… The Universal Language of Mankind
From the violin, oud, and guitar, to the qanun, flute, and hang drums, the Al Ain Book Festival takes us on a captivating musical journey throughout the day. Talented musicians accompany us, playing melodies that resonate with our souls and bring the world together through a universal language understood by all hearts.
Roaming Shows... Don't Try to Escape from the Fairies
Music isn't the sole companion throughout the day; roaming entertainment shows will also be part of the experience. Whether led by puppeteers, roaming magicians, space jumpers, or even galaxy fairies, these shows are set to bring joy and excitement to various corners of the festival, delighting all attendees.
Finally, Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy more than 400 events and 150 exhibitors at the Al Ain Book Festival 2023, from November 19 to 25, (9 AM to 1 PM and 5 PM to 10 PM), at Al Ain Square - Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa, Qasr Al Muwaiji, Al Qattara Arts Centre, Zayed Central Library, United Arab Emirates University, and shopping centres (Al Ain Mall, Barari Mall, and Al Foah Mall).
Al Ain Book Festival 2023... "All Eyes on Al Ain".
