Riwaq Al Adab Wal Kitab

Riwaq Al Adab Wal Kitab strengthens and supports the Emirati publishing industry by presenting the achievements of Emirati and Arab writers. The initiative empowers the nation’s vibrant creative writing and publishing community by fostering creativity among local writers and preserving and celebrating the beauty of the Arabic language in new and classic literature. In May 2024, ADMAF returns to the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair with new publications, book signings and panel discussions.

From Air, Water and Sand We Are Shaped –
ADMAF Pavilion Cultural Programme at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

For the ninth year, ADMAF returns to the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair to launch eight books by Emirati and international writers and poets in collaboration with local and international publishing houses. Under the title ‘From Air, Water, and Sand We Are Shaped, ‘ the ADMAF programme celebrates the legacy of renowned Emirati author and novelist Ali Abul al-Reesh.

Dates and location

From 29 April to 5 May 2024 | 9 am – 10 pm Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC)

Cultural programme of the ADMAF pavilion

Thursday 2 May 2024

5–6 pm, ADMAF booth | Panel discussion – The Role of Audiobooks and Digital Platforms in Empowering People of Determination

Lawyer Abbass Abbass, founder of a project which empowers people of determination, in conversation with poet and critic Sameh Kaawach to discuss Abbass’ digital platform and the leading audiobook application, ‘Arabcast’, a vital reading solution for visually impaired individuals with an extensive collection of audiobooks, programmes, and podcasts

6:30–7:30 pm, ADMAF booth | Book signing with Lulwa Al-Mansouri

Book signing with Lulwa Al-Mansouri for ‘Cage of Waves: Essays on Meaning and Existence’ on a book by Ahmed Rashid Thani in collaboration with Emirates Writers Union.

Friday 3 May 2024

5–6 pm, Lifestyle Stage | Panel discussion – Ali Abu Al-Reesh’s Narrative Experience

A panel discussion on the creative legacy of eminent Emirati novelist Ali Abu al-Reesh, shedding light on his extensive literary contributions spanning three decades. Featuring poet Abdullah Al-Sabab, critic Dr Youssef Hittini, and moderated by critic/poet Fatin Hamoudi, contributors to the book ‘From Air, Water, and Sand We are Shaped: Readings in the Narrative Experience of Ali Abu al-Reesh’.

6:30–7:30 pm, ADMAF booth | Book signing with Abdullah Al-Sabab, Dr. Youssef Hittini and Fatin Hamoudi

Book signing with Abdullah Al-Sabab, Dr. Youssef Hittini, and Fatin Hamoudi for ‘From Air, Water, and Sand We are Shaped’.

Saturday 4 May 2024

5–6 pm, ADMAF Booth | Panel discussion – Emirati Literary Achievement via ‘Aswat Adabiya’

Writer, poet, and media personality Hazza Al-Mansouri, in conversation with poet and critic Sameh Kaawach, to shed light on Al-Mansouri’s creative platform, ‘Aswat Adabiya’. The platform, one of the largest cultural and literary content hubs in the Arab world, unites over 85 Arab writers, including more than 50 Emirati writers, from emerging talents to established pioneers, spanning diverse creative and intellectual realms such as history, literature, media, cinema, and criticism.

6–7 pm, ADMAF Booth | Panel discussion – Therapeutic Power of Music and Arts

Dr Noura Al-Mazrouei discusses her book ‘Healing through Music’, released as part of Riwaq Al Adab Wal Kitab 2024 publications, with poet and critic Sameh Kaawach. The conversation explores the historical significance of global musical heritage, the evolution of music therapy, and the transformative role of the arts in healing.

7:30–8:30 pm, ADMAF booth | Book signing with Dr Noura Al Mazrouei, Aisha Ghabish, Ali Al-Amoudi, Dr Aisha Al-Ghais and Marwan bin Mohammed

A multi-author book signing event with Dr Noura Al Mazrouei for ‘Healing through Music’ and Aisha Ghabish, Ali Al-Amoudi, Dr Aisha Al-Ghais, and Marwan bin Mohammed, signing their respective books: ‘Writing as a Lifeline,’ ‘A Traveler Without Borders,’ ‘The Semantic Use of Animal Names in Folk Proverbs’ and ‘365 Days in the Company of Al-Mutanabbi.’

Sunday 5 May 2024

4–5 pm, Memphis Stage | Panel discussion – The Literary Legacy of Ounsi El-Hage

Poet Nada El Hage, in conversation with poet and critic Sameh Kaawach, explores the profound influence of the late great poet Ounsi El Hage and his pioneering role in the prose poetry movement since the 1960s. The conversation will highlight El Hage’s poetic selections in the book ‘Gold Rose,’ a highlight of Riwaq Al Adab Wal Kitab 2024 publications.

5:30–6:30 pm, ADMAF booth | Book signing with Nada El Hage

Book signing with Poet Nada El Hage for ‘Gold Rose – Selected Poems by Ounsi El Hage’

Books and publications supported by ADMAF

"Cage of Waves: Essays on Meaning and Existence" on a book by Ahmed Rashid Thani, by Lulwa Al Mansouri (Emirates Writers Union)
Writing as a Lifeline, by Aisha Ghabesh (Nabati Publishing)
A Traveler without borders, by Ali Al-Amoudi (Nabati Publishing)
From Air, Water and Sand We are Shaped, by Group of Writers (Nabati Publishing)
365 Days in the Company of Al Mutanabbi, by Marwan Mohamad Al Falasi (Al Thabi Publishing)
The Semantic Use of Animal Names in Folk Proverbs, by Marwan bin Mohammed (Al Thabi Publishing)
"Gold Rose" Selected Poems by Onsi El Hage, by Nada El Hage (Manshurat Al Mutawassit)
Healing through Music, by Dr. Noura Al-Mazrouei (Ninawa Publishing)