Some of the best sessions at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair are happening at the weekend.
Taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre until Sunday, the annual event will host thought-provoking discussions on history, art, music and the environment.
With many of the events focused on the fair's theme of sustainability, in line with the UAE's declaration of 2023 as the Year of Sustainability, expect plenty of insights on how art and culture can play a role in preserving the environment.
Here are six sessions to check out this weekend:
1. How to save our oceans
Meet the filmmaker behind popular Netflix documentary Seaspiracy.
Released in 2021, the film looks at the detrimental effect fish consumption has on marine life.
Director Ali Tabrizi will recall how he made the globetrotting feature – shot in various locations, such as West Africa, Japan and Scotland – and reflect on some of the lessons learnt about our environment.
Friday; 7.30pm; Bursa Stage
2. How weather changed the course of history
A session for the history and science buffs.
Peter Frankopan returns to the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair to discuss his latest book, The Earth Transformed.
The popular British historian gives a panoramic understanding of how nature and weather have played a fundamental role in shaping events throughout the centuries, from the fall of the Moche Civilisation to the financial toll on the Ottoman Empire.
Saturday; 3.30pm; Bursa Stage
3. Tips on improving your Arabic
What is the best way to learn conversational Arabic?
A panel of linguists including Tarek Abu Jamal and Bedoor Ahmed will reveal tips and hacks to help non-native speakers revel in the rich language.
Saturday; 7pm; Lifestyle Corner
4. Meet Emirati hitmaker Ibrahim Jumaa
Hear the stories behind some of the most famous Khaleeji pop and folk songs. Emirati composer Ibrahim Jumaa, the subject of newly released Arabic biography Ibrahim Jumaa: The Etheric Melody of the Sea, will discuss his acclaimed career and some of the memorable melodies created.
Saturday; 7pm; Lifestyle Corner
5. Can museums promote a sustainable future?
What role can cultural institutions play in promoting sustainability?
Louvre Abu Dhabi director Manuel Rabate and Zayed National Museum director Peter Magee will explain how culture and art can become vital catalysts for building an environmentally-friendly future.
Saturday; 5pm; Ayasofya Stage
6. Arabic poetry reading by a master
Iraq's Ali Jaafar Al Allaq will open up about his six-decade career as a revered poet, writer and fierce literary critic.
His acclaimed memoir Ila Ayn Ayyathouha Al Kaseedah (Whereto, O Poem?) won the literature category of the 2023 Sheikh Zayed Book Award.
Sunday 6pm; Ayasofya Stage
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday Benevento v Atalanta (2pm), Genoa v Bologna (5pm), AC Milan v Torino (7.45pm)
Sunday Roma v Inter Milan (3.30pm), Udinese v Napoli, Hellas Verona v Crotone, Parma v Lazio (2pm), Fiorentina v Cagliari (9pm), Juventus v Sassuolo (11.45pm)
Monday Spezia v Sampdoria (11.45pm)
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
SPECS
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F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
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Dunki
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Switching%20sides
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
World ranking (at month’s end)
Jan - 257
Feb - 198
Mar - 159
Apr - 161
May - 159
Jun – 162
Currently: 88
Year-end rank since turning pro
2016 - 279
2015 - 185
2014 - 143
2013 - 63
2012 - 384
2011 - 883
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
