emirates7 - Publishers participating for the first time in the Al Dhafra Book Festival, organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), expressed their appreciation for the event as a platform to engage with a new audience and join a prominent intellectual gathering. They commended the festival's exceptional organization, diverse range of activities, and innovative approach to presenting knowledge and culture. These features successfully catered to a variety of preferences while maintaining the authenticity of the content.
The fifth edition of the Al Dhafra Book Festival saw a significant rise in participation compared to the previous year, with 100 local and Arab publishers showcasing 50,000 titles.
Mohammed Bassem Al Shaar, owner of Doroob Al Marefa, praised the natural beauty of the Al Dhafra region and the meticulous organization of the festival. He highlighted the growing visitor interest, with many attendees purchasing educational tools for children, such as audiobooks, pottery kits, educational series, talking pens, and other interactive learning resources.
Similarly, Ehab Al Rifai from New Azbakia Publishing and Distribution emphasized the unique appeal of the Al Dhafra region and the importance of tailoring content to meet the specific interests of its residents. Al Rifai, who carefully studied the region’s preferences prior to participating, remarked on the festival’s vibrant cultural and musical events, which he credited with enriching the cultural scene and encouraging public engagement with books and learning.
"Our display included rare books, vintage photographs, records, cassettes, and discontinued magazines such as Majid and Mickey, as well as classic novels and mysteries like Abeer and The Impossible Man," Al Rifai shared. "We also featured Emirati heritage records by artists such as Ali Bin Rogha and Mehad Hamad, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore these timeless cultural treasures."
Adnan Al Hajj, owner of Tanween Publishing and Distribution, described the festival as a key cultural event fostering exchange and knowledge-sharing between publishers and the public. He applauded the seamless organization, the venue’s aesthetic charm, and the lively cultural and musical ambiance. Al Hajj noted that while his publishing house offers a wide selection of books, novels by Emirati women authors were particularly well-received by the audience. Titles such as Honour of Her Memory by Azza Al Kaabi, Room No. 11 by Sumaya Al Marzouqi, and The Little Writer's Notebook resonated strongly with readers.
Meanwhile, Abdullah Salah from Al Ummah Bookshop shared that, after five successful years at the Al Ain Book Festival, they decided to participate in Al Dhafra Book Festival to reach a new audience.
Sales exceeded expectations, Salah said, with particular demand for novels, especially romantic works by Emirati author Fateem. Her books, Happy Coincidence and Captivated by Your Love, written in the Emirati dialect, have been particularly popular among readers.
The fifth edition of the Al Dhafra Book Festival saw a significant rise in participation compared to the previous year, with 100 local and Arab publishers showcasing 50,000 titles.
Mohammed Bassem Al Shaar, owner of Doroob Al Marefa, praised the natural beauty of the Al Dhafra region and the meticulous organization of the festival. He highlighted the growing visitor interest, with many attendees purchasing educational tools for children, such as audiobooks, pottery kits, educational series, talking pens, and other interactive learning resources.
Similarly, Ehab Al Rifai from New Azbakia Publishing and Distribution emphasized the unique appeal of the Al Dhafra region and the importance of tailoring content to meet the specific interests of its residents. Al Rifai, who carefully studied the region’s preferences prior to participating, remarked on the festival’s vibrant cultural and musical events, which he credited with enriching the cultural scene and encouraging public engagement with books and learning.
"Our display included rare books, vintage photographs, records, cassettes, and discontinued magazines such as Majid and Mickey, as well as classic novels and mysteries like Abeer and The Impossible Man," Al Rifai shared. "We also featured Emirati heritage records by artists such as Ali Bin Rogha and Mehad Hamad, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore these timeless cultural treasures."
Adnan Al Hajj, owner of Tanween Publishing and Distribution, described the festival as a key cultural event fostering exchange and knowledge-sharing between publishers and the public. He applauded the seamless organization, the venue’s aesthetic charm, and the lively cultural and musical ambiance. Al Hajj noted that while his publishing house offers a wide selection of books, novels by Emirati women authors were particularly well-received by the audience. Titles such as Honour of Her Memory by Azza Al Kaabi, Room No. 11 by Sumaya Al Marzouqi, and The Little Writer's Notebook resonated strongly with readers.
Meanwhile, Abdullah Salah from Al Ummah Bookshop shared that, after five successful years at the Al Ain Book Festival, they decided to participate in Al Dhafra Book Festival to reach a new audience.
Sales exceeded expectations, Salah said, with particular demand for novels, especially romantic works by Emirati author Fateem. Her books, Happy Coincidence and Captivated by Your Love, written in the Emirati dialect, have been particularly popular among readers.