30 May 2023, Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation’s (ADMAF) Riwaq Al Adab Wal Kitab initiative witnessed a large turnout of cultural enthusiasts and visitors to its cultural programme entitled ‘Poems Do Not Die’ held in partnership with the Emirates Writers Union, Nabati Publishing and Al Dhabi Publishing during the 32nd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
The 8th edition of the enlightening initiative saw the launch of 14 literary publications, a line-up of panel discussions, literary workshops, and exclusive book signings take place, featuring more than 30 prominent writers and intellectuals from the UAE and the Arab world.
The books included Critical Readings in the Experience of the Late Poet Habib Al-Sayegh which was published in collaboration with Nabati Publishing and was a collective work written by writers Ahmed Al-Asam, Abdullah Al-Sabeel, Faten Hammoudi, Dr. Haitham Al-Khawaja, Dr. Youssef Hittini, and Nasser Al-Zaabi. Additionally, four Arabic books were published by Nabati Publishing including “Poets in The Emirati Cultural Scene” by the Abdallah Al Sabab, “Smeja” by Dr. Suroor Al Kaabi, “Letters in Verses” by Ateeq Al Qubaisi and “By My Pen” by Sheikha Al Jaberi and five by Al Dhabi Publishing House including “Critical readings in Emirati Texts” by Aisha Salem Al Zaabi, “Meaningful Wisdoms “ by Marwan Mohammed Al Falasi, “Poetry in Critique “ by Fatima Mohammed Benomar, and “The Camel in Emirati Proverbs” and “Encyclopedia of Cultural Heritage Questions” by Dr. Aisha Ali Al Ghais.
The Arabic books published in collaboration with Emirates Writers Union included Magical Realism of the Short Story in UAE by Samira Ali Al Shehhi, Sand Arch by Lulwa Al Mansouri Semiotics of Characters in Emirati Novels by Dr. Qusai Fayez Ei, and The Invisible Invader by Huda Kamal Mahmoud.
Visitors enjoyed the opportunity to have their personal copies of the books signed by the authors throughout the various book signings that took place during the week which drew large crowds.
The initiative’s cultural programme also hosted insightful talks to shed light on the future of Arabic poetry and the achievements of the late poet Habib Al-Sayegh. The talk entitled “The Future of Arabic Poetry ” featured Dr. Amani Fouad from Egypt, Dr. Youssef Eid from Lebanon, and Dr. Mariam Al Hashemi from the UAE, and was moderated by Sameh Kaawach. The second talk on the legacy of the poetry by late great Emirati poet Habib Al-Sayegh featured the poet Abdallah Al Sabab and Dr. Youssef Hetteeni, moderated by the poet Nasser Al-Zaabi.
The exciting lineup of events also included a popular workshop on the Fundamentals of Creative Writing presented by Sameh Kaawach and Ahmed Al-Asam which gave an introduction to the essential principles and characteristics of literature and creative expressions through the study of linguistic, visual, and creative techniques while highlighting the significance of Arabic language development and creative writing.
