A moral story turns into a bestseller
abu dhabi — Wala Kalima (Not even a word), a small novel about an obedient young woman who’s loved by her family because of her good behaviour and how children can be well raised with good morals, is among the best sellers for a Dubai-based publisher at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
The book by Tahani Al Hashemi, an Emirati female writer, talks about the behaviours of teenagers and the best ways of bringing up children in homes and communities. About 500 copies of the book published by Medad publishing and Distribution were sold during the first two days of the fair.
“Parents and youngsters love the content of the book,” said Hassan Ali Al Zaabi, director and owner of Medad Publishing and Distribution.
“Wala Kalima is an interesting book with a rich tale. It’s a good guide for teenagers and is our best seller at this event so far.”
Al Zaabi, whose publishing firm won the award for the best local publisher in the Sharjah International Book Fair Awards 2016, said they are supporting Emirati writers and 70 per cent of their books are works by local writers. “Ours is a publishing house for young and ambitious Emirati writers, especially women. We have about 30 new books on display,” he told Khaleej Times.
“Our aim is to raise the level of creativity in various literary fields and the creation of a new generation of writers. We are keen on publishing novels, short stories and studies that are more about the UAE.”
Al Zaabi said his firm publishes and distributes books that promote UAE’s national identity and the culture of Arabs.
Medad has published books of famous UAE authors such as Dr Iman Mirdas, who wrote a profile of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Medad also published Tajaarub, a novel authored by Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in which she shares her experience with horses, her passion about horse riding and how she has learned to combine her religion and culture with her favourite hobby.
The week-long Abu Dhabi International Book Fair being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and is attracting hundreds of students and book lovers.