The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair concluded with the release of books focusing on UAE and Iraqi music history.
Launched over the closing weekend of the event, which ended on Sunday, the Arabic non-fiction works explore the depth of Emirati folk music and Iraq’s contribution to classical Arabic music.
One of the titles chronicles the 60-year-old story of the Abu Dhabi Police Band.
Written by Ahmed Al Saadawi, The Music of the Abu Dhabi Police Band features interviews with former members and pays tribute to one of the UAE's earliest music ensembles.
Also out is Popular Songs for Children and Women in the United Arab Emirates, in which Fatima Hamad Al Mazrouei looks at the intimate role Emirati folk songs played in the UAE's formative years.
Another release is Ibrahim Jumaa: The Etheric Melody of the Sea by Ibrahim Al Hashemi.
The biography traces the life of the pioneering Emirati and Gulf music composer Ibrahim Al Jumma, whose career was honoured as part of the Sharjah International Heritage Forum last year.
In Iraqi Musical Heritage and Civilisational Communication, author Muhammad Hussein Kamer details the evolution of traditional Iraqi music, from key instruments to musical modes.
Published by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, these new titles are part of a planned 14-part book set called Pioneers Among Us.
Announced during the Frankfurt International Book Fair in October, the series celebrates the depth and diversity of music from the Arab world.
The first book released as part of the series was Umm Kulthum: Poetry and Singing at the Cairo International Book Fair in January.
A refreshing, and at times revelatory, biography of the famed Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, author Ahmed Youssef Ali examined her hefty song catalogue and traced some of their influences back to 10th and 19th-century classic Arabic and religious poems.
Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre acting executive director Saeed Al Tunaiji hopes Pioneers Among Us will inspire a new generation of artists by providing them context and knowledge on the masters of the past.
“I would say that this is the first time that detailed histories and studies into the genres will be published in a general book format,” he told The National.
“While they are written by experts, it is done in a way that is very accessible.
“These books can be appreciated by music lovers and those who have an appreciation and interest in the UAE and surrounding region."
He also confirmed that English translations of selected books are also in the works.
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In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
Results
6.30pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 (PA) US$100,000 (Dirt) 2,000m, Winner Bandar, Fernando Jara (jockey), Majed Al Jahouri (trainer).
7.05pm Meydan Classic Listed (TB) $175,000 (Turf) 1,600m, Winner Well Of Wisdom, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
7.40pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 2,000m, Winner Star Safari, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby.
8.15pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner Moqarrar, Fabrice Veron, Erwan Charpy.
8.50pm Nad Al Sheba Trophy Group 2 (TB) $300,000 (T) 2,810m, Winner Secret Advisor, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
9.25pm Curlin Stakes Listed (TB) $175,000 (D) 2,000m, Winner Parsimony, William Buick, Doug O’Neill.
10pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 2,000m, Winner Simsir, Ronan Whelan, Michael Halford.
10.35pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,400m, Winner Velorum, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby.
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