The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair ends on Monday. But there are lots of things to attend and get involved in as it draws to a close this weekend.
Sessions not to miss
The event, which began on April 26, has been filled with enlightening and thought-provoking sessions. Lots of big names and interesting personalities have been in attendance.
There are a few sessions worth attending this weekend, including Ancient Crafts, Modern Vision – The Azza Fahmy Story, in which the pioneering Egyptian designer reflects on her 40-year career. From honing her craft in Cairo’s vibrant Khan El Khalili market to building a brand embraced by celebrities and royalty, Fahmy shares the skills and career insights that shaped her journey as one of Egypt’s foremost cultural ambassadors. It takes place on Sunday at 6pm.
Emirati chef Mohamed Al Banna is taking part in a session titled The Art of Salmon: A Global Journey with an Emirati Touch. It will focus on teaching participants how to prepare salmon with an Emirati influence and takes place on Saturday at 4:30pm.
Another one not to miss is The Novel in the Eyes of Cinema and Drama with the chairman of Cedars Art Production, Sadek Sabbah. Moderated by media personality Amer Bin Jassas, the session will explore the film industry's evolution, the challenges faced in production, and the essential partnership between writers and producers. It will also highlight influential works that have shaped Arab drama. It takes place on Sunday at 5pm.
Visit an old Cairo bookshop
A throwback to Cairo's famed book market can be experienced. The Souq Azbakeya is named after a historical western district in the Egyptian capital. Here you can find a range of sellers selling relatively affordable Arabic novels and copies of old Egyptian pop culture magazines.
The market was a hit at last year’s fair when Egypt was the fair’s guest of honour. Authentic posters featuring some of Egypt’s most beloved singers are available, priced between Dh20 and Dh50.
Check out Avicenna’s pavilion
The book fair’s ‘Focus Personality’ this year is renowned 11th century physician and philosopher Avicenna. In a pavilion dedicated to him and his work, visitors are invited to explore his remarkable life, innovative ideas and the enduring impact of his work on modern science.
Discussions are also held to celebrate his work, with the final one taking place on Saturday at 5pm. Titled Avicenna's Legacy: Classical Wisdom in Contemporary Philosophy, the session will be hosted by The National’s Saeed Saeed.
Explore stalls and meet booksellers
The fair has a number of stalls selling some of the most important works of literature from the Arab world and beyond. It’s also fun to take a chance on books by new writers which may soon become favourites.
Peter Harrington Rare Books' original copy of the first screenplay of James Bond film Thunderball, annotated by creator Ian Fleming, is on sale at the event.
Enjoy the food
Refreshment options include a popular stall which serves coffee from Saudi Arabia. Food options are also plentiful, with many visitors gravitating to home-grown businesses and their food lorries for everything from juicy burgers to delectable Mexican tacos.
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F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
A Bad Moms Christmas
Dir: John Lucas and Scott Moore
Starring: Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Bell, Susan Sarandon, Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines
Two stars
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
On sale: Now
Takreem Awards winners 2021
Corporate Leadership: Carl Bistany (Lebanon)
Cultural Excellence: Hoor Al Qasimi (UAE)
Environmental Development and Sustainability: Bkerzay (Lebanon)
Environmental Development and Sustainability: Raya Ani (Iraq)
Humanitarian and Civic Services: Women’s Programs Association (Lebanon)
Humanitarian and Civic Services: Osamah Al Thini (Libya)
Excellence in Education: World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) (Qatar)
Outstanding Arab Woman: Balghis Badri (Sudan)
Scientific and Technological Achievement: Mohamed Slim Alouini (KSA)
Young Entrepreneur: Omar Itani (Lebanon)
Lifetime Achievement: Suad Al Amiry (Palestine)
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Series info
Test series schedule 1st Test, Abu Dhabi: Sri Lanka won by 21 runs; 2nd Test, Dubai: Play starts at 2pm, Friday-Tuesday
ODI series schedule 1st ODI, Dubai: October 13; 2nd ODI, Abu Dhabi: October 16; 3rd ODI, Abu Dhabi: October 18; 4th ODI, Sharjah: October 20; 5th ODI, Sharjah: October 23
T20 series schedule 1st T20, Abu Dhabi: October 26; 2nd T20, Abu Dhabi: October 27; 3rd T20, Lahore: October 29
Tickets Available at www.q-tickets.com
Stat Fourteen Fourteen of the past 15 Test matches in the UAE have been decided on the final day. Both of the previous two Tests at Dubai International Stadium have been settled in the last session. Pakistan won with less than an hour to go against West Indies last year. Against England in 2015, there were just three balls left.
Key battle - Azhar Ali v Rangana Herath Herath may not quite be as flash as Muttiah Muralitharan, his former spin-twin who ended his career by taking his 800th wicket with his final delivery in Tests. He still has a decent sense of an ending, though. He won the Abu Dhabi match for his side with 11 wickets, the last of which was his 400th in Tests. It was not the first time he has owned Pakistan, either. A quarter of all his Test victims have been Pakistani. If Pakistan are going to avoid a first ever series defeat in the UAE, Azhar, their senior batsman, needs to stand up and show the way to blunt Herath.
RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: JAP Almahfuz, Fernando Jara (jockey), Irfan Ellahi (trainer).
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh90,000 1,400m
Winner: AF Momtaz, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
6pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,400m
Winner: Yaalail, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship Listed (PA) Dh180,000 1,600m
Winner: Ihtesham, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami.
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: Dahess D’Arabie, Fernando Jara, Helal Al Alawi.
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 2.200m
Winner: Ezz Al Rawasi, Connor Beasley, Helal Al Alawi.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
