In collaboration with Al Muntada Salon, Mohammed Bin Rashid Library hosted a literary evening celebrating contemporary Emirati literature, featuring two discussion and book-signing sessions for The Courtyard of Strangers, a short story collection by Aisha Sultan, and The Years of the Maghr: A Stranger's Biography, by Maryam Al Zarooni.

The evening began with a discussion of The Courtyard of Strangers, moderated by Heba Salah. The conversation explored the story collection's key themes, including the human and social elements of the relationship between people and place, the role of memory, social change, and the everyday details from which stories emerge.

This was followed by a discussion of The Years of the Maghr: A Stranger's Biography, moderated by Maryam Al Hashimi. The session explored the novel's world and characters, focusing on themes of alienation, identity, and belonging.

With a large turnout in both sessions, attendees shared questions and reflections on the literary and intellectual dimensions of the two works. They also shared views with the authors on their creative experiences and narrative approaches, in discussions that reflected strong public interest in Emirati literature and encouraged dialogue between authors and readers.

The evening concluded with both authors signing copies of their books for attendees. This gave readers an opportunity to meet the authors, learn more about their literary journeys, and continue discussing the ideas and human and cultural questions explored in their works.

The event is part of Mohammed Bin Rashid Library's cultural programme, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Emirati writers, celebrating local literary achievements, and creating opportunities for meaningful interaction between authors and readers. Through such initiatives, the Library seeks to strengthen the role of books in the cultural landscape and promote intellectual exchange, positioning reading as a bridge for communication and the sharing of knowledge and ideas.