First Arabic Book Fair kicks off at Dubai Women’s College

Under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the First Arabic Book Fair kicked off today at Dubai Women's College as part of the Library Week event.

The fair, which runs from April 10 to April 14, 2011, features an array of Arabic books on culture, social topics and literature, in addition to books penned by Arab intellectuals, leading novelists and poets, translated work, medical and scientific books as well as books on psychological counseling, education, linguistic studies, etc.

The Arabic Book Fair is held upon an initiative from Siraaj Al Marifa Club which was recently created at Dubai Women's College with the aim of developing and enhancing skills of students in the Arabic language and culture as part of its activities for students and teaching staff.

In addition to that, Mr. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Editor in Chief of National Geographic Al Arabiya Magazine along with Dr. Howard Reed, Director of Dubai Women’s College inaugurated “National Geographic Al Arabiya photo exhibition” which is committed to educating the UAE and the wider region on the importance of environmental awareness.

DWC students were given the chance to learn about the realm of science and the fascinating nature through a photo exhibition by the National Geographic and to motivate them to learn more about their own environment. 

Mr. Mohammad Al Hammadi also gave a lecture to DWC students on the importance of reading in Arabic, in addition for a briefing on the magazine.

The Library Week event, which is running till April 14, 2011, will wrap up with Ahmed Youssef, a traditional storyteller of old Arab tales inspired by the "Arabian Nights" and UAE heritage. He will tell his stories to DWC students in Arabic while wearing the traditional costume. His session will include a briefing on his career, in addition to stories inspired by the "Arabian Nights", and the local and world heritage.

According to Mr. Youssef, every story he tells implies a social and humanitarian lesson taught in an interesting manner with the aim of promoting social and family links, with attention paid to history at the same time. His experience is based on his knowledge gleaned from stories, heritage and religious books.