Latest news with #SaeedHamdanAlTunaiji
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
170 Emirati authors drive cultural dialogue at ADIBF
The UAE's creative industry – centred around the authors – took centre stage at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) 2025, organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) from April 26 April to May 5 under the theme 'Knowledge Illuminates Our Community.' The fair reported wide participation from stakeholders across the UAE's cultural landscape, including publishing houses, authors, writers, thinkers, researchers, and intellectuals. Their active engagement was integral to the fair's diverse programme, designed to reach all segments of society and age groups, in line with the UAE's designation of 2025 as the 'Year of Community.' The ADIBF sought to promote the growth of the local literary industry and reinforce national cultural identity. It honoured a distinguished group of Emirati creatives who have made lasting contributions to the sector's growth over the years, while encouraging emerging Emirati talent from across various cultural fields. These efforts reflect a continued commitment to sustainable cultural development and the advancement of the publishing sector. The 34th edition of the fair witnessed notable local engagement, with over 170 Emirati intellectuals and writers taking part in the programme's sessions and workshops. A total of 275 Emirati exhibitors participated in the event, alongside 70 government entities, each contributing a range of activities. The Arts Corner featured 28 artists, 22 of whom were Emirati, while the World Cuisine Corner hosted 48 sessions, featuring contributions from 24 internationally renowned chefs, including 12 Emiratis. A range of initiatives were launched at the ADIBF 2025 to support Emirati talent, most notably the 'Self-Publisher' initiative, which brought together 20 Emirati writers. The initiative was designed to showcase the work of national authors, facilitate direct engagement with their audiences, and enhance their visibility within the publishing community. The initiative also aimed to foster sustainable partnerships with publishers and expand marketing opportunities for Emirati literary works. Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the ALC and Director of the ADIBF, said: 'The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair saw extensive local participation from all sectors across the UAE. This played a pivotal role in consolidating the fair's position as a global cultural and knowledge platform, through which the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre introduced a novel vision for spreading knowledge and ensuring access to it for all age groups and segments of the community. To that end, the fair's agenda featured a set of programmes and initiatives aimed at supporting the publishing sector and enriching the UAE's publishing ecosystem with everything necessary for its continued advancement.' 'The fair also provided an opportunity for Emirati publishers to engage with their international counterparts, facilitating the exchange of expertise and dialogue on key issues and emerging trends in the publishing sector,' Al Tunaiji added. 'The fair's rich array of panel discussions, specialised workshops, and high-quality content provided essential knowledge for professionals in the field. It also offered various forms of support to enable Emirati publishers to hone their skills and capacities, contributing to the overall development of the industry.' 'Emirati creatives across a range of cultural and intellectual fields, including publishers, writers, poets, researchers, speakers, trainers, and cultural influencers, also maintained a strong presence at the fair,' he noted. 'The fair's programmes were designed to empower emerging talents in literature, culture, and the arts, offering training sessions and workshops to enhance their skills and creative capabilities. Moreover, a series of youth-focused activities were also introduced to explore and nurture their interests, preparing them to participate actively in the cultural and creative spheres.' 'These efforts reinforced the fair's mission to foster a culturally engaged and creatively empowered generation, aligned with the UAE's strategic vision for sustainable development,' Al Tunaiji concluded.
Gulf Today
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair to feature 2,000 events
Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Arabic language Centre and Director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), said that this year's edition includes more than 2,000 events, showcasing a wide range of programmes organised by participating institutions. He noted that the 34th edition of the fair features over 1,400 exhibitors from 96 countries, with more than 20 new countries joining. In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Tunaiji explained that the programme includes children's activities, community-focused initiatives for all segments of society, particularly the youth, as well as special events centred on culinary culture. The ADIBF also includes an advanced technology section, 'Digital Square,' showcasing the latest innovations in the publishing industry. He affirmed that the fair places special focus on Emirati publishers, providing a platform to showcase their experience and achievements in the publishing industry, while fostering joint publishing and translation programmes with Arab and international publishers. Al Tunaiji also mentioned that ADIBF provides significant space for e-books and technology, providing attendees with a look at the latest trends in publishing. The 'Arts Corner' will showcase creative projects related to book production, while the 'Poetry Majlis' will feature both traditional and modern poetry, highlighting local and Arab literary movements. Al Tunaiji concluded that the fair's rich and diverse offerings reflect its growing importance as a leading global cultural platform in the publishing industry. The ADIBF serves as a platform for national institutions to showcase a variety of innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing cultural and intellectual awareness within the community, coinciding with the 'Year of Community.' The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) is showcasing its activities and initiatives that promote a culture of reading and strengthen the public's connection with books. In statements to WAM, Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the MBRF, said that the ADIBF has become one of the major international exhibitions, attracting significant global participation. He noted that the foundation's pavilion hosts over 100 diverse events, showcasing several key initiatives. These initiatives include 'Bil Arabi,' 'My Family is Reading,' the 'Dubai International Programme for Writing,' and 'Knowledge Lounge,' along with numerous seminars and panel discussions. Huwaireb emphasised that the fair is a key scientific and intellectual event, stressing the importance of broad community involvement, especially among the youth, as reading is essential for knowledge sustainability and cultural awareness. Launched in 2013, the 'Bil Arabi' is one of MBRF's flagship initiatives aimed at promoting the Arabic language globally, strengthening its use among youth on social media, and positioning it as a tool for knowledge and innovation. The initiative focuses on increasing Arabic content on digital platforms, developing research projects, and translating global resources into Arabic. The 'My Family is Reading' promotes daily reading habits within families by providing curated book collections, including globally acclaimed works translated into Arabic, encouraging knowledge enrichment across all age groups. The 'Dubai International Programme for Writing' supports emerging writing talents across various fields, from science and research to literature and poetry, aiming to elevate them internationally. Since its launch in 2013, the programme has become one of the foundation's key initiatives, providing a nurturing environment for creativity and innovation. It has enriched the literary and intellectual movement at local, regional, and global levels. The 'Knowledge Lounge' promotes quality reading as an integral part of daily life. It organises interactive sessions connecting readers with authors, self-development coaches, and specialists to foster deep discussions and idea exchanges. This initiative enhances participants' analytical and critical reading skills, encouraging intellectual discussions. Its activities span all the Emirates and some Arab countries, creating inspiring environments that stimulate intellectual engagement. WAM
Al Etihad
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025 features over 2,000 events
27 Apr 2025 10:19 ABU DHABI (WAM) Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Arabic language Centre and Director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, said that this year's edition includes more than 2,000 events, showcasing a wide range of programmes organised by participating noted that the 34th edition of the fair features over 1,400 exhibitors from 96 countries, with more than 20 new countries to WAM, Al Tunaiji explained that the programme includes children's activities, community-focused initiatives for all segments of society, particularly the youth, as well as special events centred on culinary culture. The ADIBF also includes an advanced technology section, "Digital Square," showcasing the latest innovations in the publishing affirmed that the fair places special focus on Emirati publishers, providing a platform to showcase their experience and achievements in the publishing industry, while fostering joint publishing and translation programmes with Arab and international also mentioned that ADIBF provides significant space for e-books and technology, providing attendees with a look at the latest trends in publishing. The "Arts Corner" will showcase creative projects related to book production, while the "Poetry Majlis" will feature both traditional and modern poetry, highlighting local and Arab literary movements. Al Tunaiji concluded that the fair's rich and diverse offerings reflect its growing importance as a leading global cultural platform in the publishing industry.
