Page 16 - MBRF PR REPORT - JUNE 2024

Press Release

Knowledge Lounge convenes authors and readers to shape

the literary and knowledge landscape in the Arab world

13 June 2024- The Knowledge Lounge, a prominent knowledge initiative of the Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), hosted renowned Arab literary personalities,

including Egyptian novelists Tarek Imam and Rasha Adly, as well as Lebanese author and novelist
Mounir El Hayek, for a meeting held at the Kalemat Library in Dubai. The gathering offered an

ideal platform for engaging in discussions on their recent literary works, shedding light on the
popular themes linked to Arab literature and storytelling.

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the MBRF, said: “We are thrilled to witness the

continuous contribution of the Knowledge Lounge to improve the literary and intellectual

movement and its growing intellectual impact on both the UAE and beyond. At MBRF, we are
committed to hosting renowned personalities in the fields of literature, science, and arts, while

fostering the Arab intellectual landscape through a variety of initiatives and events designed for
the evolving knowledge and creative needs of various age groups in society. These efforts actively

increase the level of participation in various intellectual activities.”

H.E. added, “We launched the Knowledge Lounge initiative in line with our commitment to
support the vision of our wise leadership to develop and enrich the knowledge landscape in the

UAE, especially by integrating reading as a vital part of society’s lifestyle.” Furthermore, he

underscored the significance of leveraging a variety of knowledge discussions and initiatives
organized by the MBRF, which cover a wide range of topics revolving around literature, science,

art, and creativity.

The meeting, which witnessed the participation of author Tarek Imam, featured a literary dialogue
highlighting the latest collection of his stories, titled “Stories Shorter than the Ages of Their

Heroes. The collection, published by Dar Al Shorouk in Egypt, comprises a set of brief narratives
known as ‘flash fiction’. The literary dialogue mainly highlighted this upcoming literary genre as

well as the author’s experience considering his unique storytelling and narration style.