Algerian Week showcases literature, art and culture

The event began with a special musical performance at the National Theatre of the Ministry of Information and Culture on Saturday.

General Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Badi, Minister of Interior, inaugurated the event on behalf of Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Information and Culture.

The Algerian Week is being held under the patronage of Algerian President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika and the UAE President, His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with the support of the Ministry of Information and Culture.

Also present at the opening gala were Algerian Labour Minister Al Tayeb Balein, and Saqr Ghobash, Under-secretary of the Ministry of Information and Culture, who asserted that the UAE people would enjoy the excellent performances of Algerian folk dancers and culture.

Earlier, Algerian Ambassador Abdel Hamid Bouzaher pointed out that the Week's activities would be spread over Abu Dhabi and other Emirates. He said that the history and culture of Algeria prior to and after Islam would also be in focus in the culinary delights, handicrafts, books, music, literature, cinema and dance that would be presented.

About 150 Algerian artistes will be performing at the event. Yesterday, a plastic arts, books and handicrafts show was held at the Cultural Foundation, followed by a presentation of Algerian folk dances. Today, a conference on "Modern Algerian Literature" will be held at the Emirates Writers Union at 7pm, while at the same time, award-winning Algerian movie "Rasheeda" will be screened at the Cultural Foundation. A dinner for select invitees will take place at Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers at 9pm.

On February 25th, a conference on "Algeria Through Ages" will be held at 7pm at the Foundation, followed by an operetta called "Hazia" at 8-30pm. A poetry evening will be held on the following day, followed by the screening of the movie "Odyssey of Cheikh Bouamama" at 8pm.

On February 27th, another poetry evening will take place followed by a light opera show "Love and Madness in the beloved times", at 8pm. The Week will conclude with a musical evening at the Foundation on February 28th.