Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Al Ain Region, Al Ain Book Festival 2022 has concluded after welcoming 74,519 visitors at five cultural locations across the city.

The 13th edition, themed 'All Eyes on Al Ain', ran from 14 to 20 November and highlighted the UAE’s rich cultural heritage, while promoting Al Ain as a leader for the creative industries in the region.

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), conceived the new vision for the event, which was formerly known as Al Ain Book Fair.

The ALC curated a stellar events programme aimed at celebrating and highlighting the work of Emirati and Arab writers and creatives, both past and present.

With 130 exhibitors, the inaugural festival exceeded expectations, providing dynamic, collaborative and inspiring for adults and children alike. The Festival hosted more than 300 activities, including over 70 performances, 55 cultural seminars and activities, and over 200 children’s workshops and activities.

Throughout the week, Al Ain Square at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium was the Festival’s hub, hosting live music, performances, art shows and children’s workshops Other activities took place at Zayed Central Library, Qasr Al Muwaiji, Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa and the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU).

Earlier this year, the ALC announced publishers would be exempt from paying rental fees to the key book fairs and festivals it organises.

The decision was part of the strategy to drive growth in the publishing sector in the Arab world, as well as to enhance recovery and support local and international publishers.

His Excellency Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said: “The Al Ain Book Festival, in its revamped edition, has been a great success in supporting our publishers, artists and authors, while also showcasing our rich Emirati culture and heritage. Through this, we have continued our mandate to advance the Arabic language, while ensuring the destination of Abu Dhabi hosts a packed calendar of inspiring and informative events.”

The Festival’s Highlight Events

During Al Ain Book Fair 2022, thousands of visitors enjoyed events across different cultural programmes with appearances by numerous high-profile literary figures and artists. The Main Stage Programme featured musical performances celebrating both Arab and global cultures, including folk music and roaming entertainment shows. Some of the visitors’ favourites were the Lady of Fairy Tales stage show, the hypnotic Tanoura Dancers, the spectacular Chinese Dragon Show, the Golden Carnival and the traditional performance of the African Kodzo Drummers.

The Festival also celebrated the 52nd National Day of Oman on 18 November. For the occasion, Omani folklore groups performed throughout the day and the festival was visited by the Oman National football team. The celebrations then culminated in a musical evening with renowned oud musician Faisal Al Sari.

An Inspiring Children’s Programme

As part of the Children’s Programme, more than 200 activities were held during the festival, including storytelling and art workshops organised by the Abu Dhabi Children’s Library, the colourful Peter Pan Stage Show at Al Ain Square, and a Character Design Workshop with Emirati Manga artist Asma Alromaithi, also known as Asami Art.

Among the favourite activities for children and families was the Knowledge Challenge, which tested their understanding of Arabic literature and culture, Making Slime, and Music Drawing With Gerald Mercier. Children also could learn about music in the workshops organised by the Emirati pianist Iman Al Hashemi, while teenagers were given the chance to discover the future of Artificial Intelligence in the daily workshops, and enjoy the digital corner activities. 

An Educational Triumph

Al Ain Book Festival provided a platform to showcase and support Arabic culture and creativity, especially among students, researchers and educators. During the Festival, the ALC and the UAE University (UAEU) signed an agreement to collaborate on a range of cultural and educational projects that promote the Arabic language.

The UAEU also hosted literary and culture seminars such as Emirati Children's Literature: Between Inspiration from Heritage and Looking to the Future, and Forts of Abu Dhabi, Their History, Features and Functions.

Education was also a key part of the programme at Bait Mohammad Bin Khalifa, with events such as How Do We Prepare Our Children for Education? and A Creative Family: Looking at Ways to Nurture and Inspire Creativity. Additionally, as part of Men’s Health Awareness month, the Festival hosted a campaign of different activities, such as a walk around Hazza bin Zayed Stadium partnering with Al Ain Club and the Faculty of Medicine at UAEU. The activities also included the celebration of International Students' Day hosted by the UAE Students Association. 

A Platform to Champion Arabic Poetry

Arabic poetry was a huge feature of the festival. A spectacular pre-opening concert took place at Al Jahili Fort on Saturday 12 November enjoyed by 1,700 attendees, where the performers, including Hamad Al-Amri, sang renditions of traditional Nabati poetry. 

The Festival also hosted the prize ceremony of the first- ever Kanz Al Jeel (Treasured Sayings) Awards.

Launched earlier this year by the ALC, the awards celebrated the increasing popularity of Nabati poetry, while honouring the legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who cemented the literary genre in the hearts and minds of Emiratis and Arabs. The six winners, from four different countries, each contributed to keeping this important poetic legacy alive through their excellent work. 

A Roll Call of Talented Speakers

The AABF 2022 welcomed over 120 guest speakers and moderators who enriched the festival’s programme with their wide-ranging experience and expertise. These included the inspirational Asma Seddiq Al-Mutawa, Founder and President of the women’s book club Salon Al-Multaqa, who moderated several panel discussions. The poet Sheikha Al Mutairi also hosted the panel discussion Shining Female Role Models, Emirati Women in Community Service. Dr. Parween Habib, the r media professional and author, hosted a session with the author and media expert Dr. Aysha Al Busmait about her unique experience in adopting her daughters, as reflected in her book titled Motherhood by Choice.

Al Ain Book Festival is due to return on 14 November 2023 with an exciting new programme of discussions, workshops, performances and activities.