Influential authors, actors and designers will feature at this year's Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Running from Saturday until May 5 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), the latest event offers a dynamic programme of discussions spanning literature, culture and history.
With the classic Arabic compilation One Thousand and One Nights designated as the festival’s Book of the World, several sessions will explore its enduring influence. As for Caribbean culture named guest of honour, expect leading authors and cultural figures from the region to shine a spotlight on its vibrant creative life and formidable contributions to world literature.
Here are eight sessions to check out at the book fair – all taking place on the Community Stage in Hall 10.
1. The Drama of One Thousand and One Nights: An Arabic Perspective
Sunday, 8pm
A stalwart of Egyptian television and cinema will grace the opening weekend of the book fair, with actor Hussein Fahmy – star of films such as My Blood and My Tears and My Smile and The Shame – reflecting on how One Thousand and One Nights inspired Egyptian authors and screenwriters, and how actors have drawn on its rich array of character archetypes for inspiration.
2. Mena Massoud: A journey from Dream to Hollywood
April 28, 11am
Egyptian-Canadian actor Massoud’s top billing alongside Will Smith in the 2019 blockbuster live-action remake of Aladdin remains a cultural landmark in Hollywood, breaking yet another barrier for Arab actors seeking leading roles in major films. At the book fair, Massoud will recount his professional journey, from being typecast in a North American film and television industry still grappling with inclusivity, to filming Aladdin in Jordan – proving that hard work can make dreams come true.
3. Storytelling for the Digital Age: The Evolution of Screen Life filmmaking with Timur Bekmambetov
April 28, 4pm
An audience with acclaimed Kazakh-Russian filmmaker Bekmambetov – the director behind cult hits Unfriended, Profile and Searching, all of which unfold entirely on a computer, phone or tablet. Describing his approach as “screen life", Bekmambetov will discuss the technical challenges behind this distinctive format and the ethical questions it raises for viewers who, in many ways, become voyeurs in his films.
4. Heritage for Peace: Safeguarding Archaeological Sites in Conflict Areas
April 29, 4pm
From Iraq’s Al Nouri Mosque to Lebanon’s Baalbek, the Middle East is home to cherished landmarks increasingly caught in the crossfire of conflict and political instability. Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State, and Lebanon’s Minister of Culture Ghassan Salame will discuss the global responsibility to preserve these sites and how collaboration is essential to maintaining and rebuilding landmarks that speak to the region’s history and shared humanity.
5. Our Museums: A Beacon of Creativity and Connection
April 30, 8pm
What is the role of museums in a technology-driven world – and can they serve as platforms for community building? These are among the questions to be explored when the heads of Abu Dhabi’s landmark institutions – Louvre Abu Dhabi (Manuel Rabate), Zayed National Museum (Peter Magee) and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (Mariet Westermann, global director of the foundation) – come together to discuss how these cultural spaces can foster deeper understanding between communities through the UAE’s pioneering approach to tolerance and coexistence.
6. The 50 Most Important Novels of the 21st Century
May 1, 3pm
The 21st century marked a turning point for Arabic literature, where conventions, from genre to narrative, were disrupted and reimagined. While the Arabic novel was once largely defined by political themes and questions of identity shaped by a turbulent colonial past, today’s writers have pushed those concerns further to explore them through style, setting and form.
The National will showcase that evolution by launching its list of the 50 most important Arabic novels of the 21st century in a panel session featuring literary critics Mohamed Abu Al Fadl Badran and Haytham Al Haj Ali, and Abu Dhabi Language Centre executive director Saeed Al Tunaiji.
7. Leadership under Fire: The Legacy of Charles de Gaulle
May 2, 6pm
With his acclaimed book A Certain Idea of France: The Life of Charles de Gaulle, British historian and academic Julian Jackson has produced one of the most remarkable and exhaustive biographies of the former French president. In this session, Jackson reflects on the enduring lessons de Gaulle offers about being a leader in times of crisis.
8. Ancient Crafts, Modern Vision - The Azza Fahmy Story
May 4, 6pm
The pioneering Egyptian designer reflects on her 40-year career, in which she has created jewellery that fuses contemporary design with the sensibilities of Islamic craftsmanship. From learning the trade in Cairo’s bustling Khan El Khalili market to establishing a brand favoured by celebrities and royalty, Fahmy shares the techniques and career lessons that helped make her one of Egypt’s leading cultural ambassadors.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, last 16, first leg
Ajax v Real Madrid, midnight (Thursday), BeIN Sports
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Starring: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Rating: 4.5/5
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
If you go
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Seattle from Dh5,555 return, including taxes.
The car
Hertz offers compact car rental from about $300 (Dh1,100) per week, including taxes. Emirates Skywards members can earn points on their car hire through Hertz.
The national park
Entry to Mount Rainier National Park costs $30 for one vehicle and passengers for up to seven days. Accommodation can be booked through mtrainierguestservices.com. Prices vary according to season. Rooms at the Holiday Inn Yakima cost from $125 per night, excluding breakfast.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Abu Dhabi racecard
5pm: Maiden (Purebred Arabians); Dh80,000; 1,400m.
5.30pm: Maiden (PA); Dh80,00; 1,400m.
6pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan National Day Cup (PA); Group 3; Dh500,000; 1,600m.
6.30pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan National Day Cup (Thoroughbred); Listed; Dh380,000; 1,600m
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup for Private Owners Handicap (PA); Dh70,000; 1,400m.
7.30pm: Handicap (PA); Dh80,000; 1,600m
ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
PROFILE OF SWVL
Started: April 2017
Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport
Size: 450 employees
Investment: approximately $80 million
Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani
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BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
How to get there
Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies directly to Hanoi, Vietnam, with fares starting from around Dh2,725 return, while Etihad (www.etihad.com) fares cost about Dh2,213 return with a stop. Chuong is 25 kilometres south of Hanoi.
