Abu Dhabi gears up for inaugural Hay Festival

Wednesday, 8 January 2020 19:05

The inaugural Hay Festival Abu Dhabi has unveiled its programme for next month, featuring award-winning writers, historians, film-makers and artists from around the world.

Nearly 100 events have been lined up over four days with more than 20 nationalities and 7 languages represented.

The packed itinerary boasts appearances from over 65 participants, including Booker International Prize 2019 Winner Jokha Alharthi and Booker Prize 2019 Winner Bernardine Evaristo as well as three Nobel Prize-winners- Wole Soyinka, Shirin Ebadi and Ahmed Galai.

There will be a series of programmes for students and teachers as well, while the climax of the fest will be a 90th birthday gala for Syrian poet Adonis.

The festivities will run from February 25-28 at Manarat Al Saadiyat alongside other venues across the capital.

Hay Festival started in Wales in 1987 and has been held in 30 locations around the world.

More from Local News

High-level Saudi delegation offers condolences to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, received condolences from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
UAE condemns attacks in Ethiopia, urges de-escalation

The UAE has strongly condemned recent attacks by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and allied armed groups against Ethiopian federal forces, as well as the seizure of airports in the Tigray region and the escalation of fighting in the neighbouring Afar and Amhara regions.
UAE strengthens focus on early childhood, family wellbeing

The UAE is launching a nationwide initiative to help families support children's learning, development and wellbeing during their most important early years.
17 tanks seized in Dubai for illegal waste disposal in first half of 2026

A total of 17 tanks were seized for the illegal disposal of harmful materials during the first half of the year, Dubai Police announced on Friday, adding that 18 suspects were detained.
Dubai Municipality records over 2,000 violations in residential areas

As many as 2,395 violations in unauthorised construction and illegal occupancy in residential areas have been recorded in the first half of 2026, Dubai Municipality announced, adding that strict action has been taken against 466 cases.
UAE announces suspension of Iranian airlines' flights

Flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the UAE have been suspended until further notice, according to the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Sheikh Abdullah discusses enhancing humanitarian response at UN

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has looked at strengthening international humanitarian response during talks with Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in New York.
Saudi Crown Prince offers condolences to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, has offered his condolences to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on the passing of the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
UAE to equip one million Lebanese in AI skills under new partnership

A newly launched government partnership will see the UAE share expertise to equip one million people in Lebanon with artificial intelligence skills.
10 million meals for Gaza in tribute to late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid

More than 10 million meals will be prepared for people in Gaza as part of a major humanitarian initiative honouring the legacy of the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who passed away earlier this week.
UAE steps up winter relief efforts for Gaza families

The UAE's Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 has launched its annual Winter Clothing Initiative aimed at supporting one million people in Gaza.
Sheikh Abdullah meets President of Ecuador on UNGA81 sidelines

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has affirmed the UAE's keenness to deepen its partnership with Ecuador during a meeting with the country's President Daniel Noboa in New York.
Dubai Police trains school bus drivers and supervisors on student safety

Dubai Police has delivered a series of awareness workshops to 476 school bus drivers and supervisors to reinforce safety practices.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed receives condolences on passing of Sheikh Ahmed

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, continued to receive condolences at Zabeel Majlis on Wednesday following the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
UAE welcomes US statement on Sudan peace efforts

The UAE has welcomed a United States statement supporting efforts to achieve peace in Sudan, including a call for an immediate and unconditional humanitarian truce and a commitment to a comprehensive political dialogue leading to civilian rule.
UAE among global leaders in nuclear security progress

The United Arab Emirates has made significant progress in the 2026 Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) Nuclear Security Index, ranking fourth out of 48 countries assessed for protecting nuclear facilities against sabotage.
Sharjah approves over AED17.8 million in debt settlement for citizens

More than AED17.8 million in debt have been settled for UAE nationals living in Sharjah.
Sheikh Abdullah chairs UAE-France-India trilateral meeting at UN

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has chaired a trilateral meeting under the framework of the UAE-France-India cooperation initiative on the sidelines of the 81st UNGA81.
Sheikh Abdullah joins Trump meeting on sidelines of UN General Assembly

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has participated in a meeting convened by US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the 81st Session of UNGA81 in New York.
UAE President and Rulers offer condolences to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with other Rulers, offered their condolences to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

News

High-level Saudi delegation offers condolences to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, received condolences from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on the passing of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
UAE condemns attacks in Ethiopia, urges de-escalation
The UAE has strongly condemned recent attacks by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and allied armed groups against Ethiopian federal forces, as well as the seizure of airports in the Tigray region and the escalation of fighting in the neighbouring Afar and Amhara regions.
UAE strengthens focus on early childhood, family wellbeing
The UAE is launching a nationwide initiative to help families support children's learning, development and wellbeing during their most important early years.

Abu Dhabi gears up for inaugural Hay Festival

More from Local News

News

Our Shows

Quick Links

Listen on the Go

Abu Dhabi gears up for inaugural Hay Festival

Share

More from Local News

News

Our Shows

Quick Links

Listen on the Go