Many titles on UAE heritage at book fair

ABU DHABI — UAE heritage has been one of the features being emphasised at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair Exhibition this year and one of the most representative pavilions belongs to the Emirates Heritage Club (EHC).

Silvia Radan

Published: Tue 3 Apr 2007, 8:52 AM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 1:35 AM

The majority of books presented here are about the country’s patrimony, but also poetry, history, Islamic teachings and some literature. The majority of books are in Arabic language, although there is a small selection of volumes translated in English as well.

According to Mohammed Al Marzugi, head of the public relations at EHC, who was one of the main organisers of the Club’s pavilion at the Book Fair, EHC has been participating in the Abu Dhabi Book Fair since 2000.

“We publish a lot of history and cultural books, including Nabati poetry from all of the Emirates,” Marzugi told Khaleej Times, adding that the latest volume, published last month was about poetry and narration in the UAE.

“One of the most popular book in the Book Fair is the Marine Atlas, which is available in both Arabic and English,” revealed Marzugi. The Atlas, which came in the market in 2005, is the only study that presents in-depth the whole of UAE’ marine life. “It is not only the public who is interested in this publication, but also environmental agencies, specialists and researchers,” explained Marzugi.

Other titles that attract the visitors at the EHC book stand include The Camel, a comprehensive presentation of this domestic animal in the UAE, by Fatma Al Monsoori, another study about dates and their cultural impact in the Emirates and a highly detailed study of the UAE archaeology that is available in both English and Arabic titles.

Among the few English translated books are Distinctive Arab Heritage and Folklore and Oral History of UAE and the Gulf Countries.

“For the future we are looking to publish more books on social heritage such as traditional way of life, clothes and handicrafts” concluded Al Marzugi. Most of the EHC’s books, as well as its CDs, magazines and annual reports can be found in the Heritage Village and the major bookshops of Abu Dhabi.