Page 79 - MBRF PR REPORT - JUNE 2024

6/14/24, 11:00 AM Knowledge Lounge convenes authors and readers to shape the literary and knowledge landscape in the Arab world - Middle East…
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.

The dialogue was moderated by Dr. Mounir Al Hayek, a Lebanese writer and novelist, with the active

involvement of participants who significantly added value to the discussion with their questions and
interventions. During the session, Tarek Imam presented a selection of stories that received positive
responses from the audience.

Furthermore, the Knowledge Lounge hosted two interactive sessions by joining hands with the ‘Dubai

Narrator Forum’ featuring Rasha Adly and Dr. Al Hayek. The session comes in line with the collaboration with
reading clubs to promote reading and book discussions within the community by ensuring the participation of
authors, writers, and experts in literature and knowledge.

During the session, Rasha Adly highlighted the pivotal role of historical novels in the process of documenting
history. Furthermore, she pointed out the need for Arabic literature to study various periods of Arab

civilization acknowledging the region’s rich and diverse historical and cultural heritage. The discussion
further underscored the significance of the arts in shaping modern life and enhancing human knowledge.
The session also shed light on the significance of rejuvenating and studying art and integrating it into

different aspects of life as well as into the narratives found in novels and books. The session was moderated
by Dalia Abu Al Atta and Rola Al Banna.

Another panel discussion led by Shaza Shalak and Dr. Al Hayek explored the details of his book titled
‘Barren Diaries’, published in 2023 by Arab Scientific Publishers in Beirut. During the session, Dr. Al Hayek

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