Influential authors, actors and designers will feature at this year's Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Running from Saturday until May 5 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), the latest event offers a dynamic programme of discussions spanning literature, culture and history.
With the classic Arabic compilation One Thousand and One Nights designated as the festival’s Book of the World, several sessions will explore its enduring influence. As for Caribbean culture named guest of honour, expect leading authors and cultural figures from the region to shine a spotlight on its vibrant creative life and formidable contributions to world literature.
Here are eight sessions to check out at the book fair – all taking place on the Community Stage in Hall 10.
1. The Drama of One Thousand and One Nights: An Arabic Perspective
Sunday, 8pm
A stalwart of Egyptian television and cinema will grace the opening weekend of the book fair, with actor Hussein Fahmy – star of films such as My Blood and My Tears and My Smile and The Shame – reflecting on how One Thousand and One Nights inspired Egyptian authors and screenwriters, and how actors have drawn on its rich array of character archetypes for inspiration.
2. Mena Massoud: A journey from Dream to Hollywood
April 28, 11am
Egyptian-Canadian actor Massoud’s top billing alongside Will Smith in the 2019 blockbuster live-action remake of Aladdin remains a cultural landmark in Hollywood, breaking yet another barrier for Arab actors seeking leading roles in major films. At the book fair, Massoud will recount his professional journey, from being typecast in a North American film and television industry still grappling with inclusivity, to filming Aladdin in Jordan – proving that hard work can make dreams come true.
3. Storytelling for the Digital Age: The Evolution of Screen Life filmmaking with Timur Bekmambetov
April 28, 4pm
An audience with acclaimed Kazakh-Russian filmmaker Bekmambetov – the director behind cult hits Unfriended, Profile and Searching, all of which unfold entirely on a computer, phone or tablet. Describing his approach as “screen life", Bekmambetov will discuss the technical challenges behind this distinctive format and the ethical questions it raises for viewers who, in many ways, become voyeurs in his films.
4. Heritage for Peace: Safeguarding Archaeological Sites in Conflict Areas
April 29, 4pm
From Iraq’s Al Nouri Mosque to Lebanon’s Baalbek, the Middle East is home to cherished landmarks increasingly caught in the crossfire of conflict and political instability. Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State, and Lebanon’s Minister of Culture Ghassan Salame will discuss the global responsibility to preserve these sites and how collaboration is essential to maintaining and rebuilding landmarks that speak to the region’s history and shared humanity.
5. Our Museums: A Beacon of Creativity and Connection
April 30, 8pm
What is the role of museums in a technology-driven world – and can they serve as platforms for community building? These are among the questions to be explored when the heads of Abu Dhabi’s landmark institutions – Louvre Abu Dhabi (Manuel Rabate), Zayed National Museum (Peter Magee) and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (Mariet Westermann, global director of the foundation) – come together to discuss how these cultural spaces can foster deeper understanding between communities through the UAE’s pioneering approach to tolerance and coexistence.
6. The 50 Most Important Novels of the 21st Century
May 1, 3pm
The 21st century marked a turning point for Arabic literature, where conventions, from genre to narrative, were disrupted and reimagined. While the Arabic novel was once largely defined by political themes and questions of identity shaped by a turbulent colonial past, today’s writers have pushed those concerns further to explore them through style, setting and form.
The National will showcase that evolution by launching its list of the 50 most important Arabic novels of the 21st century in a panel session featuring literary critics Mohamed Abu Al Fadl Badran and Haytham Al Haj Ali, and Abu Dhabi Language Centre executive director Saeed Al Tunaiji.
7. Leadership under Fire: The Legacy of Charles de Gaulle
May 2, 6pm
With his acclaimed book A Certain Idea of France: The Life of Charles de Gaulle, British historian and academic Julian Jackson has produced one of the most remarkable and exhaustive biographies of the former French president. In this session, Jackson reflects on the enduring lessons de Gaulle offers about being a leader in times of crisis.
8. Ancient Crafts, Modern Vision - The Azza Fahmy Story
May 4, 6pm
The pioneering Egyptian designer reflects on her 40-year career, in which she has created jewellery that fuses contemporary design with the sensibilities of Islamic craftsmanship. From learning the trade in Cairo’s bustling Khan El Khalili market to establishing a brand favoured by celebrities and royalty, Fahmy shares the techniques and career lessons that helped make her one of Egypt’s leading cultural ambassadors.
Marathon results
Men:
1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13
2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50
3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25
4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46
5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48
Women:
1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30
2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01
3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30
4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43
5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
How to get exposure to gold
Although you can buy gold easily on the Dubai markets, the problem with buying physical bars, coins or jewellery is that you then have storage, security and insurance issues.
A far easier option is to invest in a low-cost exchange traded fund (ETF) that invests in the precious metal instead, for example, ETFS Physical Gold (PHAU) and iShares Physical Gold (SGLN) both track physical gold. The VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF invests directly in mining companies.
Alternatively, BlackRock Gold & General seeks to achieve long-term capital growth primarily through an actively managed portfolio of gold mining, commodity and precious-metal related shares. Its largest portfolio holdings include gold miners Newcrest Mining, Barrick Gold Corp, Agnico Eagle Mines and the NewMont Goldcorp.
Brave investors could take on the added risk of buying individual gold mining stocks, many of which have performed wonderfully well lately.
London-listed Centamin is up more than 70 per cent in just three months, although in a sign of its volatility, it is down 5 per cent on two years ago. Trans-Siberian Gold, listed on London's alternative investment market (AIM) for small stocks, has seen its share price almost quadruple from 34p to 124p over the same period, but do not assume this kind of runaway growth can continue for long
However, buying individual equities like these is highly risky, as their share prices can crash just as quickly, which isn't what what you want from a supposedly safe haven.
2019 ASIAN CUP FINAL
Japan v Qatar
Friday, 6pm
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre flat-six twin-turbocharged
Transmission: eight-speed PDK automatic
Power: 445bhp
Torque: 530Nm
Price: Dh474,600
On Sale: Now
2019 Asian Cup final
Japan v Qatar
Friday, 6pm
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
The specs
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Power: 272hp at 6,400rpm
Torque: 331Nm from 5,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.7L/100km
On sale: now
Price: Dh149,000
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Results:
2.15pm: Handicap (PA) Dh60,000 1,200m.
Winner: AZ Dhabyan, Adam McLean (jockey), Saleha Al Ghurair (trainer).
2.45pm: Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 1,200m.
Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Sam Hitchcott, Ibrahim Aseel.
3.15pm: Conditions (PA) Dh60,000 2,000m.
Winner: Hareer Al Reef, Gerald Avranche, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
3.45pm: Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 1,700m.
Winner: Kenz Al Reef, Gerald Avranche, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
4.15pm: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup (TB) Dh 200,000 1,700m.
Winner: Mystique Moon, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.
4.45pm: The Crown Prince Of Sharjah Cup Prestige (PA) Dh200,000 1,200m.
Winner: ES Ajeeb, Sam Hitchcott, Ibrahim Aseel.
'Hocus%20Pocus%202'
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Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
Black Panther
Dir: Ryan Coogler
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o
Five stars
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Sweet%20Tooth
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The%20Hunger%20Games%3A%20The%20Ballad%20of%20Songbirds%20%26%20Snakes
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%C2%A0Francis%20Lawrence%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%C2%A0%3C%2Fstrong%3ERachel%20Zegler%2C%20Peter%20Dinklage%2C%20Viola%20Davis%2C%20Tom%20Blyth%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
Profile of Hala Insurance
Date Started: September 2018
Founders: Walid and Karim Dib
Based: Abu Dhabi
Employees: Nine
Amount raised: $1.2 million
Funders: Oman Technology Fund, AB Accelerator, 500 Startups, private backers
