Kalima to Mark Literary Translation Milestones

Activities to Celebrate 900 Publications, Ninth Anniversary and ‘Year of Reading’ 
Cultural activities at Yas Mall and 80% discount on all Kalima's books 

Abu Dhabi, UAE. 20 November, 2016:  The Kalima Project for translation, a programme of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), is set to stage ‘A Celebration of 900 Books’ to commemorate the UAE's Year of Reading and its achievement of translating and publishing 900 titles from various areas of knowledge and multiple languages within the nine years of its existence.

Under a theme ‘A book is man's best companion,’ a quote from renowned Arab poet Al Mutanabbi, the six-day cultural event will take place at Yas Mall from 24-29 November. It features a special book fair, held in partnership with Jarir Bookstore, offering an 80% discount on all Kalima publications and will include various cultural activities and seminars.

HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of TCA Abu Dhabi, said: “This event, in accordance with the declaration of 2016 as the Year of Reading by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, highlights TCA Abu Dhabi’s important role in promoting cultural dialogue, raising the level of knowledge in our society by reviving Arabic translation and addressing the shortage of high-quality translated books into Arabic.” 
“The importance of maintaining quality works in Arabic is highlighted through this initiative which appeals to a large number of reading enthusiasts eager to keep up-to-date with prominent international literature. Our language deserves more attention and appreciation, owing to its rich vocabulary, vast heritage, large number of speakers worldwide, and Kalima has been steadfast in achieving this,” he added.

Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Acting Executive Director, National Library Sector at TCA Abu Dhabi, said “As one of our leading projects, Kalima seeks to promote a culture of tolerance and a bridge between civilisations. As we celebrate its ninth anniversary in conjunction with the Year of Reading, we underline the importance of supporting books and the reading movement,” 

“The concerted efforts put into this event will help raise awareness of the importance of reading and encourage future generations to engage with books as a way of life,” he added.

Saoud Khoory, General Manager at Yas Mall commented: “With supporting this unique initiative of Kalima Translation project, we are contributing effectively in the ‘Year of Reading’ initiative, which was declared by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, to encourage reading as permanent habit in UAE and to create a generation of readers. We at Yas Mall are keen to provide a platform that supports national initiatives and activities that are in the benefit of society, and aims to increase awareness of the leading national projects. “This cooperation demonstrates our commitment to strengthening partnerships with government institutions and join hands to provide a distinctive shopping experience, which includes the provision of the highest quality to spend fun and useful time for all of our visitors and the local community.” he added.

Throughout the six-day event, Kalima's books will be available at the discounted rate at the Jarir Bookstores in Nation Galleria and Delma Mall in Musaffah as well as the venue in Yas Mall. 

The event will also include a number of cultural activities and seminars with renowned translators and authors to highlight Kalima’s translated publications. The event also aims to attract college students and children over the five days through special offers, and has a dedicated children’s corner containing a variety of appealing activities.