Fourth Day of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2019 sheds light on sports, history and space sciences

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, continued its activities on its fourth day with nine well-attended panel discussions on a range of topics related to sports, history, and space sciences.

The fourth day opened with a highly anticipated sports session presented by Argentinian football writer Luciano Wernicke. The football expert discussed one of the most contentious questions for football fans: “Who is the Greatest of All Time: Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi?”

Journalist and author Brandy Scott also hosted a session to discuss her critically acclaimed novel Not Bad People, which tackles the story of three friends with a long history of mutual secrets and whose seemingly normal actions lead to tragedy.

The third session titled “The Race to Space: The Story of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre” highlighted the development of the UAE’s space programme, from the establishment of the centre to the launch of KhalifaSat – the first satellite fully designed and built by Emiratis. The session also discussed the launching of the ambitious space programme and the historic mission to Mars.  This session was presented by Salem Al Marri, Mohammad Al Harmi, and Amer Mohammad Al Sayegh from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.

In another session, Saeed Al Gergawi, Director of the Dubai Future Academy, discussed the important topic: what will the future be like? He covered issues such as whether robots will replace humans in the workforce if Artificial Intelligence is a blessing or a curse, and whether the world will be less humane in the future. He offered intelligent and entertaining insights regarding these important questions.

Novelist Preeti Shenoy launched her latest work Wake Up, Life is Calling during the fifth session of the fourth day, highlighting the importance of enjoying life as much as possible, seizing every moment of it, and seeking a happy and satisfied life.

The fourth day also included a fun session for history enthusiasts titled “Sipping from the Hemlock Cup”, with writer and historian Bettany Hughes. The British TV personality took the audience on a journey through Ancient Greece, highlighting the latest historical discoveries and offering a glimpse at her upcoming book Venus and Aphrodite.

Author Saroo Brierley talked about the exceptional journey of his book “A Long Way Home” to the cinema screen and the Oscars ceremony. The bestselling book tells how Brierley, who was separated from his family in India then adopted by an Australian couple, managed to track down his mother in India 20 years later using Google Maps.

The eighth session hosted Nigerian writer and novelist Ben Okri, winner of the Booker Prize for his novel The Famished Road. He discussed his new novel The Freedom Artist through which he takes the reader into the heart of the contemporary political and cultural condition, all while preserving a mythical atmosphere.

The fourth day’s sessions concluded with the panel discussion and signing of the book Skyscrapers: A History of the World’s Most Extraordinary Buildings by Judith Dupré. Published by DCT Abu Dhabi’s Kalima translation project, the book represents a visual journey exploring the architectural and cultural aspects of skyscrapers as symbols of urbanism and civilisational expansion.

The Fair is taking place from April 24-30 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, with the participation of more than 1,000 exhibitors from 50 countries.