A series of virtual events has been launched by Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) that highlights the work of Emirate and international illustrators group during Covid-19 pandemic. ADIBF is organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi. It has also announced virtual cultural seminars related to other relevant topics.

On 18^th October the “Illustrators Virtual Corner” series was launched. It is set to host an illustrator group who participated in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2020, along with those who participated in Al Ain Book Fair and Al Dhafra Book Fair last year. The series will award the participating artists and also provide them a platform to show how their work has been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

On 4^th November, ADIBF organised a symposium “How to Protect Ourselves from COVID-19” marking a year since the pandemic emerged. Kuwaiti writer Dr. Ahmed Abdul-Malek during the event discussed how to prevent contracting the virus and changing our lifestyle amid the pandemic.

The Fair will also host author Professor Talal Al Buhairi, who will discuss the impact of social media on future generations, while focusing on its negativity in daily life.

During December, popular Kuwaiti novelist Fadwa Al Taweel will take part in a panel discussion about Arabic detective fiction, and the challenges faced by this section while gaining international attention.

“Despite the many negative effects of the coronavirus pandemic on various aspects of our lives, many artists in the UAE and around the world have been positively impacted during the past few months,” said Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Executive Director of the Dar Al Kutub sector at DCT Abu Dhabi.

The “Illustrators Virtual Corner” series includes five rounds that will be broadcast on YouTube. Sarah Abdullah Hamad, Zaahirah Muthy, Alaa Borhom, Jawaher Aldhuhoori, Catherine Donaldson, Simar Halwani, Khawla Alhammadi, Basima Elmesbahi and Kande S. Summers participated in the first three rounds. The fourth round, to be streamed on 19^th November, will host Shama Alhammadi, Vern Brown, Magdy El Kafrawy, and Hussein Ahmad Alssari, while artists Amna Al Ahbabi, Diaa Allam, Pia Fagelagutan and Mona Hamad will appear during the fifth round, which is scheduled to be broadcast on 30^th November.

WAM