Celebrated Syrian poet Adonis will feature among next month’s line-up of literary discussions organised by the Emirates Writers Union.

The Abu Dhabi chapter of the organisation will host a programme of events that will take place both online and physically throughout January.

In-person sessions and times for virtual events will be confirmed on the organisation’s Twitter and Facebook channels closer to the date.

The programme begins on Monday, January 4 with a Zoom discussion on the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s arts and culture scene with authors Mohamed Al Mozaini and Nadia Khawandanah.

Wednesday, January 6 will herald the Arabic book launch of Mariam Juma Faraj: The Icon of Emirati Culture. A collection of authors, including Emirati and Palestinian poets Samr Al Bakr and Sameh Kaawach, will discuss the tribute to the pioneering short story writer.

The anticipated session by Adonis will take place on Monday, January 11, with the poet’s wide-ranging address set to explore the role of literature in the region and how Arabic poetry can continue to resonate in modern society.

An open house for Abu Dhabi writers and poets to showcase their works will be held on Wednesday, January 13, while Emirati filmmaker Nasser Al Dhaheri will appear on Monday, January 18 to reflect on his career and his 2015 award-winning documentary A Tale of Water, Palm Trees and Family.

On Wednesday, January 20, prolific Emirati poet and translator Shihab Ghanem will discuss his five-decade career, in which saw he has published more than 60 books and translated more than 20 volumes of Arabic poetry into English.

The series ends with Bahraini critic Fahd Hussein, who will examine challenges facing the Gulf novel on Monday, January 25.

For details, follow the Emirates Writers Union on Twitter and Facebook.

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