Abu Dhabi International Book Fair kicks off with Pakistani writers participating for first time

F.P. Report

ABU DHABI : The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, considered one of the world’s most important cultural platforms, kicked off this week in the UAE capital with participation from Pakistani writers for the first time ever. 

The book fair is an annual event that brings different writers together with the goal of promoting reading, diverse cultures and knowledge locally, regionally, and globally. Organizers of the fair say their aim is also to promote cultural exchange and dialogue between several nations.

It also brings together leaders from the publishing and creative industries every year, providing promising opportunities for those involved in this sector to form new partnerships, learn about the latest trends and developments and discuss its fundamental priorities.

“Pakistan is being represented at the Abu Dhabi Internationally Book Fair at @Adnec from April 29 to May 5,” the Pakistan Consulate General Dubai wrote on social media platform X on Monday. 

Two sessions at the fair will feature participation from Pakistani writers. On May 1, a session titled: “The Pakistani Drama: Capturing Diverse Realities, Dreaming Many Dreams” will be moderated by journalist Mehwish Ajaz. It will feature panelists Amna Mufti, a renowned Urdu playwright and novelist, and Shazia Ali Khan, a UAE-based Urdu film screenplay writer. 

The second session is scheduled to be held on May 3 and is titled: “Pakistani Fiction’s Connection with Past, Present & Future.” This session will be moderated by Mufti and will feature participation from Urdu novelist Tahira Iqbal and Osama Siddique, an English and Urdu novelist. 

This year’s fair welcomes 145 new exhibitors and publishers this year along with 12 countries joining for the first time, namely Greece, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Pakistan, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Mozambique, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Indonesia. 

Courtesy: arabnews