Initiative forms part of the National Reading Month cultural programme

As part of its activities for National Reading Month 2022, Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, has enhanced Qasr Al Watan Library with literary works of the scholar Dr. Hartmut Fähndrich, one of the most renowned translators of Arabic literature into the German language.

The addition of the titles, which is part of the initiatives of the centre and its specialised libraries for National Reading Month, will give the public the opportunity to become acquainted with a wide range of knowledge and creativity treasures from the German scholar’s collections, which will be available in Qasr Al Watan Library, located in the UAE Presidential Palace. The translator’s works include a rich collection of titles, with Dr. Fähndrich responsible for introducing German-speaking regions to more than 70 Arabic works, many being translations of great Arab novelists and writers.

Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Acting Executive Director of ALC, stressed the importance of the works of Dr. Fähndrich for Arab culture, saying that he has been responsible for introducing the most beautiful Arabic works to German readers. These efforts, he said, have helped expose Arab culture, history and heritage to German readers, which have brought the German and Arabic cultures closer together.

He added that the initiative is a bridge for cultures through its shedding of light onto the life of a person who has long strived to make literature a means of acquaintance and rapprochement between different peoples. He said that this effort is appreciated because of the great impact that translation has on nations.

Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s latest initiative forms part of its strategic goals to contribute to the advancement of the Arabic language and to enhance interest in learning it among native and non-native speakers, as well as to lead research, creativity and translation efforts.

The collection from Dr. Fähndrich at Qasr Al Watan Library contains a wide variety of titles that include novels, studies and translations in Arabic, English and German, in addition to other works. Through his efforts, Dr. Fähndrich, who was born in the German city of Tübingen in 1944, has been able to convey to the German reader a selection of timeless Arabic works by major authors, such as, Naguib Mahfouz, Youssef Idris, Sonallah Ibrahim, Ghassan Kanafani, Emily Nasrallah, Ibrahim Al-Koni, and many others.

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About Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, established following a directive from His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, as part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, works to support Arabic language development and modernisation through comprehensive strategies and frameworks, enrich the scientific, educational, cultural and creative contributions of the Arabic language, promote Arabic language proficiency and cultural understanding, and support Arab talents in the fields of writing, translation, publishing, scientific research, arts, content creation and organisation of book fairs. The Centre works to realise its foundational vision through dedicated programmes, human expertise, and meaningful partnerships with the world’s most prestigious technical, cultural, and academic institutions.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture, tourism and creative sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies, and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage, and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives, and creative thought.