Abu Dhabi gears up for inaugural Hay Festival

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.