(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Put together by the National Library part of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA) the bookfair has attracted over 60 exhibitors this year.
Al Ain Reads the annual bookfair of Abu Dhabi emirate’s green city is returning for the sixth year at Al Ain Convention Centre from October 27 to November 2.
Put together by the National Library part of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA) the bookfair has attracted over 60 exhibitors this year who will display more than 55000 literary scientific and reference titles in both Arabic and English languages.
Alongside the book exhibition Al Ain Reads will have poetry evenings book-signing ceremonies children’s story reading and discussion seminars from notable local authors.
According to the organisers the Creativity Corner dedicated to children from six to 12 years old will be the most “lively and interactive experience” in the bookfair’s history.
“Mixing fun with learning several arts and handicraft workshops will be held under the supervision of highly trained professionals in cooperation with educational and social institutions” said Juma Al Qubaisi executive director of the National Library at TCA.
“The Creativity Corner also pays much attention to children with special needs so that they can enjoy participating in activities; a sign language interpreter will be made available for those with hearing impairments by Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs” he added.
The Reading section organised in partnership with the College of Education at UAE University will feature carefully prepared reading and performance workshops by university students to motivate children to read and listen to stories.
Additional story reading sessions will be held by UAE University academics Al Ain Municipality Al Ain Police Department the Family Development Foundation and the Social Support Centre. This section also focuses on developing children’s creative skills through reading games. Interactive family-oriented reading and writing activities have also been introduced to the reading section where family members can exchange encouragement letters and personal experiences related to reading.
The section also features traditional story-telling and discussion sessions to promote Emirati heritage and organises daily visits to children at Al Ain hospitals reading them stories and offering books as gifts.
The Environment Corner will not only raise environmental awareness through brochures and books but it will present puppet theatre shows too.
Young Writer
This year it will also launch the Young Writer competition on an environmental theme as well as flower making workshops and tree decoration activities. The Arts section will offer different children workshops led by a group of students with special needs featuring advanced handicrafts including doll making from socks and newspapers. There will also be story reading and acting sessions.
The Early Intervention Centre at Zayed Higher Organisation which co-organises the Arts section will introduce its “Neighbourhood Children” initiative an educational programme of puppet theatre shows that aim to spread awareness among all segments of society particularly children about different types of impairment and their multiple medical educational and social needs.
Last but not least the Creativity corner has a traffic awareness section with competitions and workshops held by Al Ain Police Department and doctors from Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi will also be available to offer health information and conduct eye check ups and fitness tests.
Al Ain Reads will be opened daily from 9am to 1pm and from 5pm to 9pm.
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