New highlights and various creative chapters, carried by the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in its 12th session this year, to dedicate its inspiring messages and the desire of its sustainable lovers to enhance the value of reading and its great knowledge values in society, as its director Ahlam Al-Baluki revealed «hosting the festival in its current session a group of prominent writers Arabs and internationals, in inspiring sessions, attract all age groups, and focus on future issues through the slogan (tomorrow), to provide greater opportunities to attend by providing tickets at discounted prices this time, and free sessions for all family members during the weekends ». The festival also highlights this time the new golden age of Arabic literature, which this year was accompanied by the attraction of a number of seasoned Arab writers with literary awards numbered at the local and international levels. In addition, Al-Adab is always proud of its humanitarian messages, which will be demonstrated in the charity ceremony that will be organized at the end of the festival, in cooperation with Dubai Cares to collect donations for the benefit of refugee children around the world.
Future plans
And about future plans to enhance the importance of the cultural festival and its local and international presence as one of the most prominent international literary festivals in the world, Al-Balouki told «Emirates Today» that the festival team «seeks to provide the best global literary creations in front of different members of society in the Emirates, and therefore it is necessary for us to plan and study different These literary works over 18 months in preparation for the festival, and to activate our aspirations to live up to the aspirations of those who come to visit us year after year, to explore new stories and books and see constructive dialogues, add a unique experience to the balance of their experiences », confirming:« Since the festival is an important platform for constructive discussions between authors from a variety of backgrounds from different parts of the world, we have initiated this year to partner with Dubai Tourism to film a selection of those major discussions, broadcast it online, and on the ICE system to entertain Emirates Airlines, and that Desiring us to reach a global audience with a wide reach, introducing it to the cultural offerings provided by Dubai, and the importance of the dialogues it hosts (arts) every time ».
Reading ... a national agenda
Speaking about the extent of the festival's service to the national agenda for the UAE vision 2021, which depends on supporting knowledge and the culture of reading, Al-Baluki stressed, “Establishing the culture of reading and highlighting the importance of literature is the main pillar of the festival, as the event constitutes an opportunity to enable and enhance students’ passion for reading, in line with The UAE National Agenda, which aims to place the Emirates students among the best in the world in reading, and provide them with deep knowledge and mastery of the Arabic language ». Noting that the Emirates Literature Foundation "focuses on promoting the spread of literature among students of all ages, through cooperation with schools, universities, libraries, and teachers to raise reading indicators and consolidate them in these circles."
In addition, educational events, held either on the festival’s agenda or throughout the year, provide an opportunity to meet students from across the Emirates with a group of influential writers to learn about their publications, and interact with their experiences, as well as annual competitions and creative lessons provided by the Foundation in urging students To unleash their literacy abilities, and to enhance their passion for literature. As for the "Costa" debate, it is considered one of a wide range of competitions that will be held in the 2020 session of the festival, including the novelist "Montegraba" award, the story writing competition, and the "Education" award for poetry. The "Costa" debate this year revolves around one question "Comedy or tragedy, which is better?"
«Paper» challenges
And about the encouragements that the festival provides to save "paper culture" in the face of "audiobooks," Al-Blocky said, "while audio books, live broadcasts and electronic books are becoming increasingly popular on Kindle devices, especially among young people skilled in the digital field, the printed versions of the books maintain Its position over time, where many reports indicate that traditional book sales exceeded electronic book sales in 2018, as was the case this year as well. ”She added that“ writers are still making the same efforts, and perhaps more, in designing their books to encourage the young generation to Buy paper copies.
A purposeful and deep experience
On the mechanisms of investing in the festival to deepen the understanding of the local culture and the civilizational and human heritage of the Emirates, Ahlam Al-Baluki clarified: “It is very important for me to provide a meaningful and profound experience for the authors coming to Dubai from all over the world, and to familiarize them closely with local authors and Emirati school students, to return to their country with a message Dubai and the festival, ”adding that“ this would reflect the true and bright image of the reality of local culture and heritage through telling their personal experiences, and contributing to establishing the festival’s position on a global level. ”
• New radiance and various creative classes carried by the festival to enhance the value of reading and its great knowledge values.
• The event is an opportunity to empower and reinforce the students ’passion for reading in line with the UAE national agenda.
• The festival is an important platform for constructive discussions between authors from a variety of backgrounds from around the world.