The Al Ain Reads Book Show, celebrating its seventh edition in 2015, will put the spotlight on Emirati writers and will host, honour and highlight the literary flair of several leading UAE writers.

Organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) from 4 11 October in Al Ain Convention Centre, Al Ain Reads 2015 Book Show is underlined by the participation of 70 local publishers, and will showcase over 60,000 Arabic and English literary and scientific works.

We are committed to providing an annual platform to Emirati writers and showcase their literary skills with this edition of Al Ain Reads Book Show. The fair will promote dynamic dialogue between authors and readers and represent the diverse spectrum of interests in culture and literature, and is expected to attract a large number of visitors from Al Ain and the UAE, especially university students, said His Excellency Juma Al Qubaisi, Executive Director of TCA Abu Dhabis National Library division.

This year, we have expanded the cultural programme to include topics related to history, heritage and fine arts. The book fair is an important destination for local publishers, authors and readers to meet and interact in a positive and productive environment. The roster of cultural programmes is very rich and diverse featuring a number of interactive discussions on literary, intellectual and heritage themes, added Al Qubaisi.

Opening on Sunday evening, the programme starts with Saleem Abu Jamhur highlighting his most recent work, Amathil Bnt Ibn Thahir while Alsaad Omar Al Menhali, Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic Al Arabiya, will share her vision on the benefits of literary reading clubs.

On Monday, the audience will meet up with film director, actor, writer and broadcaster Yasser Al Neyadi to discuss his experience on writing his book Friday is another scene, while Hareb Al Dhaheri will share his experience on authoring short stories and novels in an open discussion.
Historian Gaya Al Dhaheri will discuss the theme of collective memory on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday, a seminar on Writers in the publishing adventure will be held where Talal Salem, Ali Al Shaali and Mariam Al Shenasi will share their experience in establishing a publishing house. A second seminar on Who supports the Emirati writer will be led by writer and journalist Saeed Hamdan.

The fifth day will host researcher and historian Abdullah Abdul Rahman Al Hammadi who will shed light on the UAEs cultural roots and symbols from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century.

Thursdays second seminar is on the 34th exhibition by Fine Arts Emirates Association titled Noah's Ark which is due to be held in January 2016. Nasser Abdullah, Chairman of the Emirates Fine Arts Society, exhibition curator Mohamed Al Mazrouei and assistant curator Maitha Abdullah will host the seminar.
On Friday, audiences can meet Jamal Alshehhi, Secretary General of the Emirates Novel Award, to discuss the awards progress and achievements. Subsequently, Mariam Al Saadi will share with the audience her experience on short story writing.

The Cultural Programme concludes on Saturday with a seminar by Dr. Faleh Al Handal on the manuscripts of the early people of the UAE, followed by Fatima Al Mughni and Najia Al Ketbi addressing a seminar on writing on heritage.

The exhibition is free to the public and will be open daily from 9:00 13:00 and evening sessions from 17:00 21:00, except Friday when the Fair is open between 17:00 22:00. The Cultural Programme stars daily at 18:30.
For a more detailed programme, please visit adbookfair.com