Dubai, UAE - October 16, 2024

In line with the World Novel Week celebrations, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is organising a panel discussion titled “Waciny Laredj: Biography and History – From One Thousand and One Nights to the Fragrance of the Novel,” next Saturday, 19 October.

The session will feature the Algerian novelist Professor Waciny Laredj, recipient of the “Great Arab Minds” title in Literature, who will be hosted by media personality and poet Dr. Berwin Habib. The thought-provoking discussion will offer the audience a glimpse into the key stages of the author’s life and literary career, which seamlessly blends the enchantment of Arab heritage with contemporary storytelling.

The session will highlight his journey, starting from his childhood in Algeria, and the influence of his environment in shaping his identity as a novelist. It will also discuss the impact of classical Arabic literature on the development of his narrative, how this influence is reflected in his works, and his active role in reviving history through his novels.

The discussion will delve into his literary transformations, between traditional and modern narratives, and how he was able to weave Arab heritage into global literary framework, as well as the influence of international literature on his career.

The event will culminate in a group book signing featuring over twenty authors, showcasing their first literary works. Readers will have the opportunity to meet these aspiring writers and celebrate their creative achievements and their passion for writing with a special, in-person event.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is celebrating World Novel Week by organising a variety of events that highlight the importance of literature and the role of the novel in promoting culture and knowledge. The programme includes the participation of a leading group of writers and novelists. The Library will also organise workshops on novel writing, showcasing the latest literary publications, and encouraging new authors to publish their first works.

The Library constantly aims to provide a rich collection of global and Arabic novels, combining classics with modern releases, to promote the passion for reading and offer a comprehensive cultural experience to its visitors.

For more information and to participate in the free-of-charge activities, please visit http://www.mbrl.ae, and the Library’s social media accounts.