Abu Dhabi: The Sheikh Zayed Book Award has announced the signing of an agreement between Emirati publisher Al Hudhud and Italian publisher Marcos y Marcos, to translate Emirati author Hessa Al Muhairi’s The Dinoraf, winner of the Children's Literature Category Award in 2018. Under the agreement, the book will be translated into Italian, French and English.

The agreement follows a signing ceremony held in Abu Dhabi which was attended by Marco Zapparoli, Founding Director of Marcos y Marcos, Ali Al Shaali, Founding Director of Al Hudhud Publishing, copyright holder of the Arabic version of The Dinoraf, and author Hessa Al Muhairi.

HE Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, Secretary General of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, said: “The Sheikh Zayed Book Award aims to encourage translations from Arabic into other languages through its translation fund initiative that was launched in 2018. The grant fund is an opportunity to highlight the active role of translation in fostering cultural communication and promoting quality Arabic literature, internationally.” He added, “The translation of The Dinoraf into the Italian, French and English languages is an important milestone for the Award and for achieving our mandate in elevating the standard of children's literature and establishing it on common values.”

Marco Zapparoli added: “I greatly enjoyed the unique character of the Dinoraf. As the first multilingual animal born in the desert, he is a brand new friend for the young readers in Italy. The author has crafted an inspiring story which engages children in meaningful conversations on universal values of tolerance and mutual coexistence. For that reason, Marcos y Marcos is proud to publish this book, and I believe it will be a great success.”

Ali Al Shaali said: “We are proud that Hessa Al Muhairi’s The Dinoraf won the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, which holds the name of our Founding Father. This is a major opportunity to introduce Arabic titles into different markets and reach new readers; whether they are Arabs living in Europe or Europeans, as we offer titles in Italian, French and English.”

The Dinoraf follows a dinosaur out on a mission to someone like him among the other animals. Throughout his journey, he gets to know the differences between the animals, which finally leads him to find a connection with the giraffe, to become the ‘Dinoraf’. The story is a unique portrayal of peaceful coexistence and mutual tolerance of cultural differences within global society.

Al Muhairi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Double Masters in Education Management and Policy from Deakin University Australia. She has been working as a nursery teacher since her graduation and has participated in several children’s literature workshops as well as managed a number of training programmes. She has two published books for children, Whose Footprints are These? and The Dinoraf.

Founded in 2011, Al Hudhud Publishing and Distribution is widely considered to be one of the most promising up-and-coming publishers in the UAE. The publishing house has built a name for itself in the industry both locally and regionally.

About The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction that enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The Department manages the emirate's tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The Department of Culture and Tourism supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate's heritage. A key role played by the Department is to create synergy in the destination's development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base. dctabudhabi.ae

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