Six books launched at event that also saw Emirates Writers Union and Admaf agreeing to promote Emirati works.

The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) launched six new Arabic books during the Abu Dhabi Festival’s Riwaq Al Kitab book launch and signing, an event that aims to give Arabic writers the platform to showcase their published books.

The event also saw ADMAF sign a letter of cooperation with the Emirates Writers Union that will see both organisations work together in building up Emirati literary works.

“Riwaq Al Kitab is ADMAF’s contribution to the [UAE’s] 2016 Year of Reading. It not only marks a major step in the presence of the UAE in Arabic literary development but also in keeping Arabic literature alive and growing its readership,” said Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, the founder of ADMAF.

Kanoo added that it was important to get the next generation of Arabs involved in creating Arabic literature in order for the language to thrive.

“As we look ahead, we look forward to working in partnership with the Emirates Writers’ Union and the UAE’s key publishing houses to ensure our literature and heritage are kept alive, and that our younger generations are inspired to write, create and be proud of their language,” she said.

Habib Al Sayegh, Secretary-General of the Arab Writers Union and Chairman of the Emirates Writers Union, praised the partnership between both cultural organisations and said it was part of the continued cultural renaissance happening in the country.

“The signing of this letter of cooperation between the Emirates Writers Union and the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation reflects the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership, it strengthens mutual cooperation in order to enable cultural renaissance, embedding Emirati innovation across multiple disciplines.

“This collaboration will build a strong support network for literature and publishing, embedding a culture of reading while simultaneously increasing awareness of its benefits, most notably knowledge,” he added.

Al Sayegh noted that it was important to continue programmes that would support the continued strengthening of Arabic publications.

“The Emirates Writers’ Union embraces every initiative with the potential to strengthen publishing, knowledge development and documentation through both paper and electronic publishing, using all efforts to develop knowledge, represent identity and enrich Arabic content with an Emirati fingerprint,” he said.