DECEMBER
6:00-7:00pm 5:30-6:00pm
7:00-6:30pm 5:00-6:00pm 7:00-8:00pm 7:15-8:00pm 8:00-9:00pm 6:00-6:30pm
5:00-6:00pm
FESTIVAL
PROGRAM
ARABIAN DAYS FESTIVAL 2024
CELEBRATING LANGUAGE
AND HERITAGE IN THE HEART OF ABU DHABI
The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre has announced the return of the much-anticipated “Arabian Days” Festival for its second edition, set to take place from 14 to 16 December at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi. Coinciding with UNESCO’s World Arabic Language Day (18 December), the three-day event will celebrate the richness and vibrancy of the Arabic language, bringing together artists, creators, and cultural thinkers from around the globe.
Building on the resounding success of its inaugural edition, the festival returns with an even more dynamic and diverse program, offering a
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FESTIVAL
This year’s edition features an exciting array of events, including:
Exhibition: The Birth and Evolution of the Arabic Language: A captivating visual journey showcasing the origins and development of Arabic, alongside the achievements of notable Arab figures who have made significant contributions across various fields.
Gallery of Winning Artworks: A curated display of contemporary art pieces celebrating the beauty and creativity of the Arabic language.
Musical and Theatrical Performances: Immersive experiences that combine traditional Arabic rhythms with theatrical stories inspired by Arab heritage.
Children’s Storytelling Workshops: Fun, engaging activities designed to spark children’s imaginations while introducing them to the playful and educational aspects of Arab heritage.
Arabian Market: A marketplace featuring handcrafted goods and local products that embody the spirit of Arab culture.
Bonfire Storytelling Sessions: A unique revival of traditional Arabian storytelling, featuring folk tales shared in a captivating and memorable format
The Arabian Days Festival is a celebration of inspiration and creativity, inviting everyone to experience the beauty and profound significance of the Arabic language. Whether you’re passionate about heritage, love the arts, or are simply seeking a fun family outing, the festival offers something to inspire and delight everyone.
Join us for an unforgettable cultural journey that honors the brilliance of the Arabic language and celebrates its timeless legacy!
the Festival
AN INTERACTIVE PLATFORM CELEBRATING THE BEAUTY AND CREATIVE SPIRIT OF THE ARABIC LANGUAGE ARABIAN DAYS
The “Arabian Days” Festival reflects Abu Dhabi’s visionary commitment to positioning the Arabic language as a foundation for art, science, innovation, creativity, and the celebration of beauty.
It reaffirms Arabic as a vibrant and contemporary language, seamlessly blending tradition with the demands of the modern era.
By positioning Arabic at the core of cultural industries, the festival empowers artists, writers, thinkers, and creatives to harness their talents and benefit from modern advancements, particularly in technology and artificial intelligence—the focus of UNESCO’s theme this year, "Arabic Language and AI: Advancing Innovation while Preserving Cultural Heritage." It seeks to uncover the rich cultural treasures of the Arabic language and bring it closer to all segments of society, particularly the youth, through innovative and inspiring methods that resonate with modern trends in creation and engagement. By doing so, the event enables new generations to actively enrich the present with the beauty and wealth of Arabic while paving the way for a brighter future.
"Arabian Days” serves as a global platform that brings together creators from around the world to showcase their talents and engage in meaningful, thought-provoking discussions. Inspired by the spirit of the Arabic language and its rich cultural heritage, the festival adopts an innovative and interactive approach to highlight the elegance and creative essence of Arabic.
Dr. Ali bin Tamim Chairman, Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre
It strives to celebrate and preserve the language’s cultural legacy while fostering meaningful connections between diverse communities through the power of imagination and creativity.
Arabic has always been a language of imaginative thought and boundless creativity, and today, its greatest potential lies in enabling younger generations to rediscover its brilliance, unlocking opportunities for renewal and innovation.
At “Arabian Days,” we are committed to embracing a diverse array of creative disciplines, including music, poetry, Arabic calligraphy, drama, visual arts, singing, oral storytelling, and performance art.
“Arabian Days” is a bridge connecting the past to the present, offering a glimpse into a future brimming with creativity and excellence.
Welcome to “Arabian Days,” where ideas spark imagination, and tradition blends seamlessly with modernity.
ARABIAN DAYS” FESTIVAL SUPPORTERS“
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the supporters of the "Arabian Days" Festival in Abu Dhabi. Your dedication and ongoing efforts bring our rich heritage and authentic culture to life, embodying the spirit of unity and diversity that defines us. By contributing to the success of this prestigious event, you are helping to solidify Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for culture and the arts. Together, we are creating an unforgettable experience.
MAIN HALL
Speaker
Dr. Roy Casagranda
A political science professor at Austin Community College, Dr. Casagranda is renowned for his interactive lectures that seamlessly blend history and politics, with a particular focus on Middle Eastern policies. His research highlights the profound contributions of Islamic philosophy and scholarship to the European Renaissance, challenging traditional perceptions of the “Dark Ages.” He is the founder of the Austin School Lecture Series, which has garnered millions of views online and explores the critical role of history in shaping effective political decision-making.
First Panel
Leveraging AI to Shape the Future of Arabic Culture and Creativity
H.E. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh
Cultural Advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University.
Moderator
H.E. Mohammed Al Murr
Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation.
Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival.
Prof. Bilal Orfali
S heikh Zayed Chair for Arabic and Islamic Studies
A Lebanese scholar and academic holding the Sheikh Zayed Chair for Arabic and Islamic Studies at the American University of Beirut Specializing in Arabic and Islamic literature and manuscripts, he serves on editorial boards for leading academic journals and projects, including Brill's "Texts and Studies on the Qur'an," NYU Abu Dhabi's "Library of Arabic Literature," and AUB's "Sheikh Zayed Series for Arabic and Islamic Texts and Studies."
Second Panel
Speakers
Prof. Nizar Habash
Professor of Computer Science,
Specializing in Computational Linguistics for the Arabic Language
A computer science professor at New York University Abu Dhabi and director of the CAMeL Lab (Computational Approaches to Modeling Language). He is an expert in artificial intelligence and natural language processing, with a focus on machine translation and Arabic language modeling. Holding a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, he has authored over 250 research papers and a book titled Introduction to Arabic Natural Language Processing. He was awarded the King Salman Global Academy Prize for Arabic Language in 2022.
Moderator
Dr. Farah Shamout
Assistant Professor of Computer Engineering
Dr. Wajdi Zaghouani
Researcher and Academic Specializing in Arabic Natural Language Processing
An associate professor in residence in the Communication program at Northwestern University in Qatar, specializing in artificial intelligence and computational linguistics. His research focuses on Arabic data analysis and detecting hate speech. Previously, he served as an associate professor in digital humanities at Hamad Bin Khalifa University. He has published over 100 research papers and contributed to prominent projects like MADAR and QALB, securing over $6 million in research grants for social media analysis.
An assistant professor of computer engineering at New York University Abu Dhabi and director of the Clinical Artificial Intelligence Lab. Her research centers on developing AI systems for medical decision-making. A Rhodes Scholar with a Ph.D. from the University of Oxford, she has contributed significantly to digital health policies and data-sharing initiatives. She is a recipient of the NYU Campus Life Faculty Leadership Award and teaches courses in AI and data science.
Speakers
Dr. Bashar Alhafni
Researcher Specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing
Arabic Culture and Artificial Intelligence: From Heritage Preservation to Creativity Enhancement
A researcher specializing in artificial intelligence and natural language processing for Arabic, Bashar Al-Hafni focuses on controlled natural language generation, including grammatical error correction and text rewriting. He is pursuing a PhD in computer science at New York University while working with the CAMeL Lab at NYU Abu Dhabi and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. With experience at companies like Dataminr and Grammarly, he has also contributed to machine translation research for low-resource languages during his master’s studies at the University of Southern California. Alhafni holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics and has worked as a software engineer for global firms such as Morgan Stanley.
Nawaf Al Janahi
Film
Director
An Emirati actor and film director, born in Abu Dhabi in 1977, Nawaf Al Janahi is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in Emirati and Gulf cinema. With notable feature films like “The Circle” and “Sea Shadow,” he has made significant contributions to the regional film industry. Al Janahi has also founded several prominent cinematic initiatives, served on international film juries, and played a key role in advancing the local and regional cinema landscape.
Dr Abdallah Abu Shmaes
Acting Language Research and Studies Unit Head
An expert in Arabic language computing, a poet, and a translator, Dr. Abu Shmaes serves as the Acting Head of the Research and Language Studies Unit at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre. Holding a PhD in literature and criticism alongside a bachelor’s degree in mechatronics engineering, he has been instrumental in developing innovative linguistic technologies, such as Amazon Polly for Arabic texts and the "Qalam" proofreading tool. He has published five poetry collections and translated the book Al-Landai. His contributions have earned him prestigious accolades, including the Sharjah Award for Award Creativity and the Mahmoud Darwish Poetry Prize.
Moderator
Prof. Hanan Aldarmaki
Assistant Professor at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence:
With a focus on speech processing applications for Arabic and its dialects, her research addresses speech and language disorders and advances sign language processing. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from George Washington University (2019) and an MPhil in Computer Speech, Text, and Internet Technology from the University of Cambridge (2009).
Speakers
Mustafa Said
A celebrated musicologist, composer, virtuoso instrumentalist, and accomplished vocalist. His extraordinary contributions to music have garnered him several prestigious honors, including the 2009 Baku Mugam Festival Award for Composition, the 2019 Aga Khan Music Award for Performance, and the 2024 Sheikh Zayed Book Award for his groundbreaking reinterpretation of Arabic
Moderator
Ali Al-Abdan
First Panel
Artificial Intelligence in Music: A Driver of Creativity or a Challenge to Authenticity?
Researcher and Critic Specializing in Arabic Music
Currently serving as the Director of the Music Heritage Department at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, he focuses on researching music and folk arts in the UAE, with a broader interest in ethnomusicology. He has authored several books on the history of music and singing in the UAE, the latest of which received the 2024 Sharjah International Book Fair Award in the field of studies. In addition to his publications, he has contributed numerous ethnomusicological articles and presented research papers on Emirati art forms, including Al-Taghrooda, at the “Traditional Song Forum between the UAE and Greece,” in collaboration with Greek professor Pavlos Kavouras. He has also participated in symposia, including “The Characteristics of Festive Arts in the UAE and Mexico.” In September 2024, he contributed to UAE Heritage Week on Nami Island, South Korea, where he authored a booklet titled The Characteristics of Arabic Music, which was later translated into Korean and English.
Rawan Al-Dabbas
Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa
- Representative of the Global Trade Association for the Recorded Music Industry
International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI): Leading efforts to enhance the value of recorded music and protect producers' rights, her responsibilities include supporting the establishment of music rights collection societies, improving licensing frameworks, combating piracy, and collaborating with governments and stakeholders to ensure a sustainable music ecosystem. With a strong legal background and expertise in copyright, she is committed to fostering a vibrant music industry that enriches the region's culture and economy.
Second Panel
Generative AI: Transforming the Art of Storytelling and Creativity
Speakers
Language Academy
With a distinguished academic and cultural legacy, she has spearheaded impactful initiatives such as the "Arabic Proficiency Test" and the "Lebanon Enlightened" literacy program, reflecting her unwavering commitment to advancing Arabic education. A respected author in literary criticism, her work has been featured in esteemed publications, and she has actively participated in international conferences and served on judging panels for prestigious literary awards, including "Katara." As the founder of the "Arabic Language Academy Award," she has made significant contributions to research and publications, focusing on enhancing and modernizing the Arabic language to meet the evolving demands of the contemporary world.
Sameh Kaawach
Arabic Content and Program Manager at the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation
A Palestinian literary critic and poet born in Lebanon in 1969, he has held prominent positions in the cultural and media sectors, including Cultural Consultant and Arabic Content Manager at the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation. He has published numerous poetic and critical works, such as "The Poet as the Ultimate Described" and "Aesthetics of the Poetic Self," in addition to the novel "The Temptation of Water."
Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi Founder of Barjeel Art Foundation
A distinguished academic, he has held numerous prestigious roles, including Practitioner-in-Residence at the Hagop Kevorkian Center for Near Eastern Studies at New York University in Spring 2017 and Yale Greenberg World Fellow in 2018. He has lectured at Yale University’s Council on Middle East Studies, served as a teaching assistant at Georgetown University’s Center for Contemporary Arab Studies in 2019, and held visiting instructor positions at Boston College’s Islamic Civilization and Societies Program and the American University of Paris’s Department of Art History and Fine Arts in 2020. In 2010, he established the Barjeel Art Foundation in Sharjah, an independent initiative committed to fostering intellectual and artistic growth in the Arab world, with a particular focus on building a prominent and accessible art collection within the UAE. In 2018, the foundation signed a long-term loan agreement with the Sharjah Art Museum, where 100 works from its collection are on display. Currently, Al-Qassemi is working on a book documenting the modern architecture of Sharjah. He also continues to teach “The Politics of Modern Art in the Middle East” as a visiting instructor at Boston College’s Islamic Civilization and Societies Program and Sciences Po’s School of Public Affairs in Paris.
Moderator Dr. Noura AlMazrouei
A writer and qanun player, Dr. Noura AlMazrouei holds a diploma in art therapy and a PhD in Gulf Studies from the University of Exeter. Her writings focus on culture and the arts, with publications in local and international journals and newspapers. She is a certified sports trainer specializing in movement and mental performance and utilizes therapeutic dance to help women alleviate stress. Among her works is "The History of UAE-Saudi Relations," which won the Al Owais Creativity Award, and her most recent publication, “Healing Through Music."
As part of its initiative to empower emerging talent in Arabic media, CNN Arabic is hosting a youth bootcamp at the "Arabian Days" Festival dedicated to content creation. This unique workshop will cover:
Mobile Journalism
Master the basics of storytelling using mobile devices, including essential filming techniques, conducting interviews, and editing through mobile applications.
Artificial Intelligence in Content Creation
Learn about the tools used to produce images, videos, and audio clips, and explore how to build compelling stories from scratch while enhancing them with AI.
Storytelling and Capturing the Moment
Understand how every story begins with a moment—learn to document these moments and transform them into powerful, enduring narratives.
EXPERIENCES & ACTIVATIONS
Immerse yourself in a variety of enriching experiences, from art exhibitions to a series of captivating and immersive events.
ICONS OF THE
ARAB WORLD
This special event highlights influential Arab figures, both historical and contemporary, showcasing their remarkable achievements and their impact on the world.
The Arabic Language and the World
This interactive event delves into the rich history and evolution of the Arabic language across the ages.
Featured historical figures include: Abdullah Ibn Al-Muqaffa: A pioneering writer of the early Islamic era (d. c. 139 AH/756 CE), Sibawayh: The founding scholar of Arabic grammar (d. c. 180 AH/796 CE), Jabir Ibn Hayyan: Known as the father of chemistry (d. c. 200 AH/815 CE), Fatima Al-Fihriya: The visionary woman who established the world’s oldest university (d. c. 266 AH/878 CE).
Notable contemporary Arab figures include: Lotfia Al-Nadi: The first Arab woman to fly solo (1907–2002 CE), Michael DeBakey: A Lebanese-American doctor, inventor, and globally renowned heart surgeon (1908–2008 CE).
Kanz Al Jeel
As the Arabian Days Festival begins, attendees will have the opportunity to explore an inspiring exhibition featuring the winning artworks and creations from previous editions of the Kanz Al Jeel Award. The showcase includes Nabati poetry, folkloric studies, and research by talented creatives who have celebrated the richness of authentic cultural heritage.
Beginning with an exploration of the language’s origins and ancient inscriptions, the event highlights significant milestones, including the impact of divine revelation and the Quran’s pivotal role in shaping the language. It also traces the development of Arabic through key stages, from the introduction of diacritics and vowel marks to the compilation of Kitab Al-Ain, the first comprehensive Arabic dictionary. The narrative also explores Arabic’s expansion beyond the Arabian Peninsula via trade, pilgrimage, and cultural exchange, illustrating how Arab sciences and arts influenced the wider world.
The final segment focuses on Arabic today, covering: Countries where Arabic is an official language, the global population of Arabic speakers, the extensive vocabulary of the Arabic language, the wealth of Arabic manuscripts housed in international libraries, with opportunities to view and explore texts over a thousand years old.
Kanz Al Jeel was established by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre to honor excellence in Nabati poetry and its cultural significance. Named after one of Sheikh Zayed’s iconic poems, the award bridges creativity, intellect, and critique, creating a vibrant movement inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s poetic legacy and paving the way for new artistic innovation.
The Kanz Al Jeel Award highlights Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s lasting influence on poetry and artistic creativity. It serves as a platform for works that embrace the timeless aesthetic and cultural value of his poetry, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire and resonate with future generations.
BONFIRE STORYTELLING SESSIONS
The Bonfire Storytelling sessions bring Arab folklore storytelling traditions to life in an engaging and immersive format.
These sessions are hosted by Maryam Yaqoub, renowned for her experience in leading major national and official events. Recently, she joined the "Intilaq" program under the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises.
Session Title Mystery Tales with Live Mizmar Performance
Date: December 14, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Presenter: Dr. Sameh Sanad
About Dr. Sameh Sanad
Dr. Sameh San ad is an Egyptian storyteller and content creator specializing in crime and mystery tales. With his distinctive narrative style and analytical approach, he has captivated a wide audience, becoming a leading name in his field.
Session Highlight
"The Drowned Man: A True Story of Forensic Mysteries"
Dive into a fascinating case of forensic intrigue: a man’s drowning in an Egyptian canal turns out to be far more than it seems. Forensic evidence, including car tracks and unusual water in his lungs, reveals a hidden conspiracy between his friend and wife. Will the truth come to light?
Presenter Introduction
Dr. Sameh is a masterful storyteller, audio content creator, and media expert with over 23 years of experience in television and digital media. Through his podcast “Awal El Kheit,” he narrates gripping true crime stories, while his book “The Strangest Stories” delves into bizarre and mysterious aspects of life. He is also the creator of “Strange Stories,” a series blending unique storytelling with modern documentary techniques. With a career spanning collaborations with prominent TV networks and leadership in digital content production at Media Line, Dr. Sameh has redefined modern Arab storytelling.
Session Title
Storytelling and Its Role in Preserving Heritage with Live Qanun Performance
Date: December 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Presenter: Professor Bilal Orfali
Session Highlight
About Professor Bilal Orfali
This session explores the vital role of storytelling in classical Arabic literature as a means of preserving history and societal values. The discussion will include an example of a classical story that showcases this enduring tradition.
Professor Bilal Orfali is the Sheikh Zayed Chair in Arabic and Islamic Studies at the American University of Beirut. A distinguished scholar in Arabic and Islamic literature and manuscripts, he has significantly contributed to academic research and editorial projects, including Brill's Texts and Studies on the Qur'an, NYU Abu Dhabi's Library of Arabic Literature, and AUB's Sheikh Zayed Series for Arabic and Islamic Texts and Studies.
Session Title
Poetic Selections with Live Oud Performance
Date: December 16, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Presenter: Fatima Aqeel
About Fatima Aqeel
Fatima Aqeel is a social media influencer passionate about promoting the Arabic language, particularly through poetry. Her content inspires audiences by highlighting the beauty and richness of Arabic literary traditions.
Session Highlight
This poetry recital will feature a selection of classical and contemporary Arabic poems, reflecting the beauty of the language and its cultural significance.
Message from Fatima
In this session, I will share a captivating blend of poems by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen, alongside selections in both classical and colloquial Arabic. Together, we’ll celebrate the spirit of poetry and the magic of words.
CHILDREN'S STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS
In collaboration with Magrudy’s Bookshop, families and children can join storytelling workshops that revive Arab storytelling traditions in an engaging and educational way. Featured stories include Ali and the Camel (Interactive Story), Lesath and Shaula, and Snowy and Zoey’s Big Life Lessons.
About Magrudy’s Bookshop
Magrudy’s is a renowned bookstore based in Dubai with over 20 branches across the UAE. Known for its extensive selection of books, games, stationery, and educational materials, Magrudy’s fosters a love for reading and learning, offering a welcoming environment and a variety of products that cater to all ages and interests.
Educational and Cultural Workshops for Children
Children aged 3 to 12 have a dedicated space in the "Arabian Days" workshops, with activities tailored to different age groups.
Workshops for Ages 3–7
Wooden slice decoration, Decorating wooden dolls as “favorite book characters,” Creating fairy houses using cardboard and wood, Handcrafts, Origami.
Workshops for Ages 7–12
Modern Arabic calligraphy, Designing your own astrolabes, Screen printing on t-shirts or canvas bags, Drawing Arabic patterns and carving on tiles, Playing Arabic rhythms on the darbuka.
Minecraft Workshop
Minecraft is a creative and adventurous game that encourages exploration and imagination, allowing players to build diverse structures using blocks of various colors and designs.
Whether constructing intricate designs, battling monsters, or collaborating with others, Minecraft offers endless possibilities, making it a timeless favorite across all ages. The workshop includes six sessions over three days, with each session accommodating 20 children, led by a dedicated instructor.
Sand Bottle Art Workshop
This fun and engaging activity stimulates creativity and imagination as children design vibrant crafts using colored sand and bottles. The hands-on experience encourages artistic expression, develops fine motor skills, and fosters a sense of achievement. With endless options for patterns and colors, every child creates a unique keepsake to cherish.
Face Painting Workshop
Face painting brings joy and excitement to children, turning each moment into a magical and memorable experience. With a variety of colors and creative designs matching the festival theme, children can transform into their favorite characters or showcase fun patterns, sparking creativity and imagination.
Henna Workshop
This creative and cultural experience suits participants of all ages, offering an opportunity to explore the traditional art of henna design. Participants will learn about the cultural significance of henna while experimenting with patterns and designs under the guidance of skilled artists. Using natural henna, attendees can draw designs themselves or receive intricate creations from experts, blending creativity, culture, and relaxation.
Virtual Tour with Storytelling Performances by the American Community School in Abu Dhabi
Teachers from the American Community School in Abu Dhabi will host exciting storytelling sessions for children attending the "Arabian Days" Festival. Through engaging puppet shows, they will bring stories to life and offer a unique virtual reality (VR) experience, allowing children to explore the world of books in an interactive and educational way. This initiative combines creativity, technology, and learning to inspire young minds and foster a love
Coloring and Crafting with Origami
In this delightful workshop, children will dive into the world of creativity by coloring and folding paper to craft unique artistic shapes while discovering the magic of origami. Participants will learn how to use colors to decorate paper and transform it into innovative 3D designs, blending fun with education.
Stencil Paintings on Bags with Fatima
Children will express their creativity in this enjoyable artistic workshop led by Fatima! They will design and decorate their own fabric bags using specialized paints, while learning simple and fun art techniques tailored to their age group.
Children’s Workshop The Art of Japanese Calligraphy
This engaging workshop introduces children to the beauty of Japanese calligraphy. They will learn the basics of this elegant art form and create unique calligraphic pieces with a creative flair. The workshop aims to enrich children’s skills while offering them an inspiring introduction to different cultures in an
CINEMA AKIL
As part of the "Arabian Days" Festival, Cinema Akil presents a curated selection of distinctive Arabic films that beautifully capture the richness and diversity of Arab culture. Attendees can look forward to a unique cinematic experience that celebrates heritage while combining artistry with creative vision. Some of the standout films featured at the festival include:
"HWJN"
In this romantic fantasy set in Jeddah, a kind-hearted jinn living among humans embarks on an adventure to confront evil and reclaim his rights. Struggling to maintain a balance between his own world and life among humans, he finds himself in a blossoming romance with Sawsan, a medical student. The film is directed by Yasir Alyasiri and Mohammad El Tahawy, with a screenplay by Ibraheem Abbas and Yasir Alyasiri.
"Diamond Dust"
Released in 2018, Diamond Dust is an Egyptian crime and mystery film directed by Marwan Hamed and written by Ahmed Mourad, based on his novel of the same name. The story delves into themes of revenge, betrayal, and the moral dilemmas of seeking justice, intertwining personal conflicts with a broader reflection on societal corruption.
VARIETIES
will be the play, “ Aladdin’s Happiness .” The stage will storyteller who will bring captivating narrative audience engaged until the interaction . feature artist Leila Ashraf, themed plays blending ways that inspire adventure .
7 MAIN STAGE
CONCERTS & MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
"Arabian Days" wouldn’t be complete without its captivating musical evenings. This year’s festival brings three unforgettable nights featuring a remarkable lineup of Arab and international artists.
DAY 1 DAY 3
A Syrian singer renowned for her classical and traditional songs, celebrated for her artistic mission centered on human values and peace.
singer renowned for his distinctive blend of Arabic and Western music. As the creator of the "Razz" genre, Aziz has earned widespread recognition across the Arab world for his emotionally resonant and musically innovative works.
DAY 2
for her exceptional versatility, effortlessly performing diverse musical styles ranging from classical to folk. She brings new life to Arab heritage with contemporary arrangements of traditional melodies, bringing a fresh
A renowned Lebanese singer, admired for his romantic ballads that intertwine heartfelt lyrics with signature melodies. His works have graced the repertoires of some of the Arab world’s most iconic artists.
composer acclaimed for his music that seamlessly combines youthful energy with meaningful social and humanitarian themes.
group renowned for their creative fusion of jazz, world music, and traditional Arabic melodies. Known for their innovative compositions, Project Fikra shines a spotlight on cultural connections and fosters artistic collaboration across diverse traditions.
DAILY DAY ONE TIMETABLE 14 DECEMBER
Aladdin (Theatrical Performance) 30 Mins 5:30 - 5:00pm
Fadi Rifaai (Musician) 5:30pm - 6:00pm Foad 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Mizmar Player Bassam 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Door Opens - 7:30pm
Show - 8:00pm
Sameh Sanad (Strange Stories) 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Fatima - Stencil Paintings On Bags 4:30pm - 5:00pm (30 Min)
Storytelling Session From ACS 4:30pm - 5:00pm
Japanese Calligraphy 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Story Telling American Community Schools Story Telling Shows
6:00pm - 6:30pm Origami Workshop (ALC) 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Sarah Galadari - Ali & The Camel (30 Min) 6:30pm - 7:00pm
Arabic Ryhthyms On Darbuka 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Minecraft (On Screen) 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Minecraft (On Screen) 8:00pm - 9:00pm
Aziz Maraka (Min 45 - 60) 8:30pm-9:30pm VR Station All day Henna 4:30pm - 8:30pm
Cinema: Hwjn - Yasir Alyasiri 8:30pm - 10:30pm
Faia Younan (90 Min) 9:45pm - 10:30pm
DAILY DAY TWO TIMETABLE
Abeer Nehme (H1.15 Incl Overlap With Marwan X 2 Songs)
8:30pm-9:45pm
Leila Ashraf (Disney Theatrical 30 Min)
5:00-5:30pm
(80-90 Min) Incl Overlap 9:30pm-11:00pm
Anas Halabi
5:30-6:00pm Tanini
VR Station (All Day)
Face Painting - Roaming 4:30-8:30
Fatima - Calligraphy On Canvas 4:30-5:00pm (30 Min)
Storytelling Session From ACS 4:30-5:00pm
Japanese Calligraphy 5:00-6:00pm
Arabic Patterns On Tile 5:30-6:00pm
Story Telling Session From ACS 6:00-6:30pm
Asma KherbashLesath & Shaula Book (45 Min) 6:30-7:00pm
Minecraft (On Screen) 7:00-8:00pm
Sand Bottle Workshop 7:15-8:00pm
Minecraft (On Screen) 8:00-9:00pm
DAILY DAY THREE TIMETABLE
FIND YOUR WAY
Berklee Music College Abu Dhabi
Jacques chirac st
Manarat Al Saadiyat