ABU DHABI // The 26th general conference of the Arab Writers Union started on Thursday in Abu Dhabi as part of an effort to promote arts and culture and profile up-and-coming writers.
The six-day conference will highlight the role of writers as voices from the Arab world.
“By organising this meeting, you confirm that the Arab nation through the thought and innovation of its men and women is quietly capable of being a reading, writing, conscious and enlightened nation,” said Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development. He said the conference aims to enrich the readers of the Arab world and unlock their imaginations.
Sheikh Nahyan said writers played an important role in expressing human feelings, ambitions and explaining the challenges mankind was facing today.
“I admire the role of writers in spreading the principles of coexistence and peace, their efforts in addressing societal issues, risks facing the nation, and in shouldering responsibilities for human and community development for the development of their nation.’’
The conference will feature arts exhibitions and it will host the Sultan Al Owais Poetry Festival, one of the largest such events in the Arab world.
Habib Al Sayegh, the chairman of Emirates Writers Union, will be appointed secretary general of the Arab Writers Union.
The event will be attended by the Egyptian minister of culture Helmy Namnam and secretary general of the Union of Arab Writers, Mohammed Salmawi.
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