Saif bin Zayed Visits Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 1st add

For her part Sharifa Moussa Advisor at the Office of Minister of Education and Head of the 'Aqdar' Writing Initiative team said: "The 'Aqdar' Writing Initiative was launched last December following the directives of the higher leadership in declaring 2016 as a Year of Reading and under the patronage of Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and Hussain Al Hammadi Minister of Education. This initiative aims to support male and female students who show creativity in all fields of writing in order to promote literary and enrich the cultural scene with the intellectual fruits of distinguished Emirati students of different ages. It also aims to introduce students and teachers to leading figures of literature in the UAE and the region as well as enhance the role of students and teachers in developing cultural and literary movements in the UAE.

The 'Aqdar' Writing Initiative opened new knowledge horizons for students and prepared them to fulfill a leading role in the literary arena. A significant number of students and teachers applied for the initiative and exceeded all expectations. Applicants underwent interviews according to strict criteria in order to reach the finals which included schools affiliated to the Ministry of Education.

Moussa also explained that participants attended training workshops in cooperation with Kuttab Publishing House which featured participation of reputed writers and authors in the fields of novel poetry drama essay and short story. Participants received training on the basics of creative writing and literary writing techniques. They were also acquainted with the different writing genres and methods; writing techniques and writing retreats. The workshops were based on the 'National Charter for Students' Awareness' within the Khalifa Student Empowerment Program.

Adding further she said: "Support has been provided to beginning writers after the writing retreat under close follow-up from the Khalifa Student Empowerment Program and the Ministry of Education. Work teams have been formed to follow-up on their writing creations on social media as well as to meet with them on a weekly basis. All of these efforts have yielded valuable results with more than 50 books published and signed in today's edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair."

The Head of the 'Aqdar' Writing Initiative team announced that support for new writers will continue with close follow-up in upcoming workshops. "New writers are the knights of writing and creativity and supporters of the new knights" she said.

For his part Jamal Al Shehhi founder and director of the Kuttab Publishing House praised the cooperation with the 'Aqdar' Writing Initiative which will leave a significant impact on the cultural landscape in the UAE by adopting creative teachers and students which are worthily entering the publishing and writing market.

He added that the publications presented by students and teachers are highly promising not only on the national level but also on the Arab world level. All of the writers have receiving intensified courses on writing and editing under the supervision of a group of renowned writers within the cooperation between the Kuttab Publishing House and "Aqdar" Initiative.

Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior also witnessed the launch and signing of a distinguished collection of children books at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. The books are authored by Sheikh Zayed bin Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Khalifa sons of Sheikh Saif bin Zayed; and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The first book titled "In the Love of Zayed" is penned by Sheikh Zayed bin Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and dedicated to his young friends: "My second book is an idea. Our love to our country is the most beautiful idea. We will write for and about the country and its safety." The book is based on the late Sheikh Zayed famous stance and is determination to turn the desert into a lush green land setting an example of determination and strength for generations.

The book titled "My Precious Country" written by Sheikh Zayed bin Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan praises the UAE and its achievement and highlights the importance of taking pride in the country's heritage and building upon it.

Sheikh Zayed bin Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's book titled "Qans Al Marzoum"is inspired by an important life experience which is a touristic traditional trip.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan joined the list of young writers this year. His book titled "The Good Man" sheds the light on the principles of manhood which children can learn to form an early awareness of Positive Patriotism.