(AN): The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, renowned as one of the world’s premier cultural events, commenced this week in the UAE capital, marking a historic moment with the participation of Pakistani writers for the first time.
This annual gathering serves as a platform for bringing together authors from diverse backgrounds with the aim of promoting reading, celebrating cultural diversity, and sharing knowledge on both local and global scales. Organizers emphasize the fair’s role in fostering cultural exchange and dialogue among nations.
Each year, the fair attracts leaders from the publishing and creative industries, offering valuable opportunities for networking, exploring the latest trends, and discussing key priorities within the sector.
Highlighting Pakistan’s presence at the event, the Pakistan Consulate General Dubai announced its participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, scheduled from April 29 to May 5.
Two engaging sessions featuring Pakistani writers are set to take place during the fair. On May 1, a panel discussion titled “The Pakistani Drama: Capturing Diverse Realities, Dreaming Many Dreams” will be moderated by journalist Mehwish Ajaz. Panelists include renowned Urdu playwright and novelist Amna Mufti, along with Shazia Ali Khan, a UAE-based Urdu film screenplay writer.
The second session, scheduled for May 3, is titled “Pakistani Fiction’s Connection with Past, Present & Future.” Moderated by Amna Mufti, this session will feature Urdu novelist Tahira Iqbal and Osama Siddique, an English and Urdu novelist.
This year’s edition of the fair welcomes 145 new exhibitors and publishers, with 12 countries participating for the first time. Among the newcomers are Pakistan, Greece, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Mozambique, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Indonesia.
