
Lines of Fire: A New Book Published by AUB Press
The American University of Beirut (AUB) Press announced the release of its new publication Lines of Fire by Dr. Tariq Mehmood. Focusing on the works of the Afro-Asian Writers' Movement between the 1960s and 1970s, it presents a selection of poetry from the rich archives of the two major journals published during that time, The Call and Lotus. Through the selection, this book highlights key works from a movement that brought writers from all corners of the world together under the banner of resistance.
Lines of Fire was finalized against the backdrop of escalating violence. 'It reminded me that poetry is not just an outlet for anger, grief, or love,' writes Mehmood in the introduction. 'It is resistance. It is resilience. It is the refusal to be erased.'
Over the course of his research, the author's path has brought him together with many renowned poets and writers who shaped the history covered in this book. One of these poets is Ziad Abdulfattah, the last living editor of the journals. Ziad has written the foreword to this book where he shares his first-hand experience in formulating a journal and developing it to allow it to reach the entire world.
This book introduces the history of the Afro-Asian Writers' Movement and highlights those who used their pens as weapons to fight injustice. This work also extensively discusses the Tashkent and Bandung conferences that aimed to bring writers together, discuss peace, poetry, and decolonization. As in many movements, internal conflicts and the watchful eye of intelligent services were some of the challenges that faced the writers and editors. Most importantly, this work draws parallels between the struggles of the past and those of today, placing poetry and powerful writing at the heart of resistance, remembrance, and the ongoing fight for justice.
The book includes more than one-hundred poems from The Call and Lotus categorized into four sections: Exile, Independence and Nationalism, Place and Land, and Hope and Endurance.
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Web Release
7 hours ago
- Web Release
Lines of Fire: A New Book Published by AUB Press
The American University of Beirut (AUB) Press announced the release of its new publication Lines of Fire by Dr. Tariq Mehmood. Focusing on the works of the Afro-Asian Writers' Movement between the 1960s and 1970s, it presents a selection of poetry from the rich archives of the two major journals published during that time, The Call and Lotus. Through the selection, this book highlights key works from a movement that brought writers from all corners of the world together under the banner of resistance. Lines of Fire was finalized against the backdrop of escalating violence. 'It reminded me that poetry is not just an outlet for anger, grief, or love,' writes Mehmood in the introduction. 'It is resistance. It is resilience. It is the refusal to be erased.' Over the course of his research, the author's path has brought him together with many renowned poets and writers who shaped the history covered in this book. One of these poets is Ziad Abdulfattah, the last living editor of the journals. Ziad has written the foreword to this book where he shares his first-hand experience in formulating a journal and developing it to allow it to reach the entire world. This book introduces the history of the Afro-Asian Writers' Movement and highlights those who used their pens as weapons to fight injustice. This work also extensively discusses the Tashkent and Bandung conferences that aimed to bring writers together, discuss peace, poetry, and decolonization. As in many movements, internal conflicts and the watchful eye of intelligent services were some of the challenges that faced the writers and editors. Most importantly, this work draws parallels between the struggles of the past and those of today, placing poetry and powerful writing at the heart of resistance, remembrance, and the ongoing fight for justice. The book includes more than one-hundred poems from The Call and Lotus categorized into four sections: Exile, Independence and Nationalism, Place and Land, and Hope and Endurance.


Time Out Abu Dhabi
7 days ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Nightclubs in Abu Dhabi: the best bars and nightclubs to dance the night away
When your favourite track plays, it's time to get up and groove. It's a fact that there aren't many things in life that a good boogey with your friends can't fix and when it comes to a night out on the town, trust us when we say the capital can deliver – you just need to know where to go. Abu Dhabi might have a slower pace rep and while we love that for us, the nightlife scene is alive and well. From a Mexican restaurant that turns into a dancefloor as soon as you put your cutlery down and new events reigniting house music to your trusty Irish pubs delivering a solid night out weekend after weekend, you won't be disappointed at any of these spots. Are you game for a dance-off? Let's go. The best bars and nightclubs in Abu Dhabi if you want to dance Atlon This place in Souk Qaryat Al Beri may be small but boy, does it pack a punch. With events almost every day of the week, you can pick from karaoke nights, Afro beats, Amapiano, RnB – the list goes on… Tue-Thu 7pm-3am, Fri 4pm-3.30am, Sat 3pm-3.30am, Sun 2pm-8pm. Souq Qaryat Al Beri, @atlonabudhabi (058 575 3414). Barbossa Not only is Barbossa one of the best Latin American restaurants in the capital, we're also a little bit in love with how smoothly it transitions into one of the best dance floors around. This is especially true on Thursdays, the same day they have a ladies' night. You'll come for the Mexican mixed drinks and the delicious tacos, but you'll stay for the fiery Latin beats and the occasional Mariachi band performance. Sun-Wed 12pm-1am, Thu-Fri 12pm-3am, Sat 1pm-3am. Yas Bay Waterfront, @barbossa_auh (050 185 8068). Café del Mar While the tunes never actually stop at Café del Mar (the temperature-controlled pool makes it the ideal beach club all year round, FYI), it's the recently opened 360 Lounge that you should be heading to for your next night out. Panoramic views over Yas Bay, talented DJs on the decks and truly excellent vibes – what more could you want? We thought so. Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sun 6pm-3am. Yas Bay Waterfront, @cafedelmarabudhabi (050 402 2283). Iris Credit: Iris With a weekly line-up that doesn't light up, it doesn't matter what day of the week you're feeling a night out. From RnB and Hip-Hop to Latin and Afro beats to 80s and 90s tunes, there really is something for everyone. Plus, the view over Yas Marina? 10/10, no cap. Mon-Sat 6pm-3.30am. Yas Marina, Yas Island, @irisyasisland (55 160 5636). Fueeltkl x ADHM This isn't technically a venue, but these two groups are both responsible for some of the funnest nights in Abu Dhabi. First up, you have Fueeltkl, who organise reggaeton and Latin music events everywhere from the W Abu Dhabi to Iris Yas Island. Then we have the Abu Dhabi House Movement, who are taking on the very important mission to bring more house music to town, organising events at places like Ilios Beach Club and Fahid Island Beach Club. The best part is that they've started collaborating, which is great if you have a variety of music tastes in your friendship group. Various locations and times, @fueeltkl, @adhousemovement. Lock, Stock and Barrel Abu Dhabi's self-proclaimed party bar knows how to make you move and its full-on approach is sometimes what you need to shake it off. The two-level, industrial-style bar has a great view of Yas Bay Waterfront, but really the fun is inside. From endless deals to live music and Ladies' Nights, what's not to love? Mon-Wed, 4pm-2am. Thu 4pm-2am, Fri & Sun noon-3am, Sat 2pm-3am. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, @lockstockabudhabi (04 423 8308). McCafferty's We couldn't round up the best nightlife in the capital without an Irish pub, could we? Since it opened in 2023, McCafferty's quickly became a Yas Island staple and you'd be pressed to find anyone who hasn't started or ended their night here. With live music and DJ performances, it's definitely a favourite among locals. Open daily 9am-2am. Hilton Yas Island, @mccaffertysyas (058 598 3623). Zuma It's one of the best restaurants in town but did you know it actually has a flawless party vibe too? Head over after 10pm on the weekend and you can witness the classy jaunt get its party mode ON. Sun-Thu 7pm-1am, Fri-Sat 7pm-2am. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, @zumaabudhabi (02 401 5900). White Abu Dhabi's largest club knows how to make you hit the dancefloor, with high-tech sounds, lasers and projections and 360-degree projection mapping – plus the globally renowned DJs, of course. Fri-Sat 11pm-3.30am. Yas Bay, Yas Island. @whiteabudhabi (50 639 8934). More things to do in Abu Dhabi Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025 From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year The 43 best Abu Dhabi ladies' nights you need to know about Enjoy a night out for less at these brilliant bars and restaurants Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted


Time Out Abu Dhabi
22-05-2025
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
A huge Euroleague beach party is coming to Abu Dhabi this weekend
If you're all about catching beach beats after watching some hoops, you'll want to head straight for Fahid Beach Club by Barbossa this Saturday May 24. This EuroLeague weekend, the waterfront venue is bringing some serious sonic heat to Abu Dhabi with a stacked lineup of international DJs. Think hypnotic house, Afro rhythms and sunset grooves – all served beachside with icy drinks and barefoot vibes. The evening kicks off at 5pm, just as the sun starts to dip. First up is DJ Liwaa, setting the tempo with an effortlessly cool set before brings his deep, melodic sound from the Greek club scene to the coast. Then it's over to Andor Gabriel, whose Afro-melodic blends have been making waves in Dubai. And then… it's time. South African sensation Caiiro takes centre stage with his unmistakable Afro-house energy. Expect rhythm-rich tracks, big emotional builds and a sound that's both spiritual and totally dancefloor-ready. If you've caught him live before, you already know. If not – get ready for a serious musical moment. Liwaa is back on deck for the closing set, keeping the energy up as the night rolls into the early hours. Whether you're celebrating EuroLeague wins or just here for the party, Fahid Beach Club may just be the place to be this weekend. From Dhs250 per person. Sat 24 May, 5pm till late. Fahid Beach Club. Platinumlist, bcreservations@ @fahidbcbybarbossa, (056 358 4458). More things to do in Abu Dhabi Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025 From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year It's official: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is returning for a second edition with some huge names Wow, look at this line-up Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted