Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has launched a virtual series of author talks.
The annual literary gathering, which scrapped its 30th event last month to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, has teamed up with the Emirates Literature Foundation to hold a series of online discussions featuring speakers from various creative fields.
Some of the big names include Chris Gardner, whose memoir became the 2006 Academy Award-nominated film The Pursuit of Happyness, and revered British-Ethiopian poet Lemn Sissay.
The series will run until Monday, June 15, and host up to eight personalities on Abu Dhabi International Book Fair's YouTube channel in various formats, including live Zoom sessions and pre-recorded talks.
At the time of writing, the times for two sessions had been announced (listed below) with a further six to be unveiled soon.
"These fun and informative virtual sessions will strengthen the reputation of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and ensure that we continue to engage our diverse audience, which includes readers, writers, artists, families and publishing industry professionals," said Abdullah Majed Ali, executive director of Dar Al Kutub, the literary wing of Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism.
“Though we are sadly unable to hold an event this year, using technology in this way keeps the fair’s platform alive and supports our strategic objective to elevate Abu Dhabi as a regional capital of culture and intellectualism.”
Isobel Abulhoul, chief executive of the Emirates Literature Foundation, says these sessions are intended to inspire, and she hopes whole families will tune in.
“Literature has the power to change us, to change how we feel, and helps us adapt to any situation in which we find ourselves,” she said.
“When books are brought to life by authors, magic can happen. While we are physically distanced from each other, what could be better than sharing the experience of one of these wonderful sessions with family or friends?”
Here is what is coming our way:
Anthony Geffen: A Life in Documentary Filmmaking (Tuesday, May 5 at 5pm)
One of the world's leading documentary filmmakers, Anthony Geffen will deliver a pre-recorded talk that sheds light on a storied career that has won him more than 50 international awards, including several Baftas and Emmy Awards.
Through his company, Atlantic Productions, Geffen has directed or produced a number of high-profile wildlife productions, such as Galapagos in 2006 and the acclaimed 2016 miniseries David Attenborough's Great Barrier Reef.
He is currently working on a documentary exploring the wreckage of the Titanic.
Chris Gardner: The Pursuit of Happyness (Sunday, May 10 at 10pm)
Most people know the Academy Award-nominated film The Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith, but did you know it was based on a memoir? This session offers the chance to hear the true rags to riches story from Chris Gardner himself.
The US author and motivational speaker will discuss his journey from being a single dad on the poverty line to a high-powered business executive. In these uncertain times, his advice on reaching our potential is much-needed.
Other key confirmed speakers:
Lemn Sissay
The British-Ethiopian author and broadcaster is a perennial favourite of UAE literature festivals, thanks to his electrifying sessions. The official poet of the 2012 London Olympics will read a selection of his much-loved works, in addition to discussing his recently published memoir, My Name is Why.
Shahad Ameen
This is one for aspiring filmmakers, as the Saudi director will discuss the regional film landscape. Ameen will also share her experience of directing her acclaimed 2019 debut feature Scales, a dystopian drama about a rebellious woman fighting deadly traditional practices used in her fishing village.
Eric Broug
Learn the history and intricacy of Islamic art with this esteemed specialist. Eric Broug has published several books for professional and aspiring artists interested in Islamic geometric designs. His titles include Islamic Geometric Patterns, released last year, and 2016's Islamic Design Workbook.
John Hudson
When you hear the British television presenter and ex-military man describe his adventures, it will make you appreciate the comforts of staying at home. The survivalist will discuss many of his hair-raising escapades and provide advice on how to make good choices in high-pressure situations.
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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'The Batman'
Stars:Robert Pattinson
Director:Matt Reeves
Rating: 5/5
Cherry
Directed by: Joe and Anthony Russo
Starring: Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo
1/5
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Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
Scorebox
Sharjah Wanderers 20-25 Dubai Tigers (After extra-time)
Wanderers
Tries Gormley, Penalty
Cons Flaherty
Pens Flaherty 2
Tigers
Tries O’Donnell, Gibbons, Kelly
Cons Caldwell 2
Pens Caldwell, Cross
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
Company name: Farmin
Date started: March 2019
Founder: Dr Ali Al Hammadi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: AgriTech
Initial investment: None to date
Partners/Incubators: UAE Space Agency/Krypto Labs
FORSPOKEN
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Marvel's%20Spider-Man%202
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MATCH INFO
Scotland 59 (Tries: Hastings (2), G Horne (3), Turner, Seymour, Barclay, Kinghorn, McInally; Cons: Hastings 8)
Russia 0
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The%20specs
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five pillars of Islam
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
WHEN TO GO:
September to November or March to May; this is when visitors are most likely to see what they’ve come for.
WHERE TO STAY:
Meghauli Serai, A Taj Safari - Chitwan National Park resort (tajhotels.com) is a one-hour drive from Bharatpur Airport with stays costing from Dh1,396 per night, including taxes and breakfast. Return airport transfers cost from Dh661.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Etihad Airways regularly flies from Abu Dhabi to Kathmandu from around Dh1,500 per person return, including taxes. Buddha Air (buddhaair.com) and Yeti Airlines (yetiairlines.com) fly from Kathmandu to Bharatpur several times a day from about Dh660 return and the flight takes just 20 minutes. Driving is possible but the roads are hilly which means it will take you five or six hours to travel 148 kilometres.
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
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FIXTURES
UAE’s remaining fixtures in World Cup qualification R2
Oct 8: Malaysia (h)
Oct 13: Indonesia (a)
Nov 12: Thailand (h)
Nov 17: Vietnam (h)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The%20specs
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GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League quarter-final, second leg (first-leg score)
Porto (0) v Liverpool (2), Wednesday, 11pm UAE
Match is on BeIN Sports
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Rating: 3.5/5 stars
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
