Publications by the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi have received a great deal of attention from visitors and participants at the 9th Al Ain Book Fair, AABF, which is currently being held at the Al Ain Convention Centre.

The department’s pavilions, events and activities play a prominent role in bringing together writers, publishers and the public and create a space for co-operation and understanding. The department also presents AABF visitors with its latest publications, lists of participants and the initiatives it supports. Visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy discounts up to 60 percent, and 70 percent exclusively for students, on its publications.

Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Acting Executive Director of the National Library Department in Abu Dhabi, said, "AABF has grown significantly in terms of the participation of local publishing houses. Each year, the number of participants increases with notable interest in the variety and quality of the showcased books, especially those published by Emirati writers, who have become more professional with the increase of official support provided to their works. As usual, the Book Fair serves as a platform for Emirati writers to meet and interact with their readers in an initiative aimed at enriching the cultural scene with more discussion forums, and this is what we have seen through the series of cultural and discussion seminars, and cultural events.

"Writers and literary scholars of various nationalities come to celebrate these books and literary achievements with Emirati writers, in addition to the intensive participation of government departments, private institutions and publishing houses. Through our discount offers, we seek to encourage students and visitors alike to read and explore the various publications of the National Library and the Kalima Project for Translation, which also falls under our endeavours for the #Year of Giving," he added.

The Department of Culture and Tourism is presenting various projects launched at both regional and international levels, in addition to its authored and translated publications, emphasising its role in creating a regional and international cultural environment.

The participation of the Professional Education and Development Department at the National Library pavilion, comes within the framework of communicating with AABF visitors. In particular, the pavilion targets students of Al Ain schools and universities to familiarise themselves with the Department’s educational programmes and activities at Al Ain’s museums.

The department seeks to encourage visitors to explore the museums and participate in educational programmes which consolidate the national identity in students and develop their keenness to conserve local heritage for present and future generations. The pavilion also provides visitors with pamphlets on the Al Ayyala dance and the Al Sadu craft.

The Department of Culture and Tourism’s Intangible Heritage Department is witnessing large interest in its information on Abu Dhabi’s heritage and methods of safeguarding and conserving it as a genuine source of development and prosperity.

In addition, the pavilion offers a variety of traditional industries that were historically prevalent in the Emirati community with a brief introduction on each and the methods by which they were produced. The pavilion also offers children a series of traditional heritage tales, showcasing a number of heritage paintings and murals of the emirate’s desert and marine environments.

The pavilion also offers traditional musical performances organised by the centre throughout the day.

The exhibition is open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., until 2nd October at the Al Ain Convention Centre.