Documentary filmmaker and writer Alex Bescoby took the stage, sharing his incredible tale of a road trip unlike any other. He spoke about his epic journey between London and Singapore, a trip he undertook twice, separated by a remarkable six and a half decades. Bescoby’s engaging talk delved into the fascinating contrasts between his experiences, highlighting the challenges and remarkable changes he witnessed first-hand.

His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives stated in his statement on behalf of Dr Husniya Al Ali, Educational Programs Consultant at National Library and Archives, “This session’s vital theme of exploring diverse cultures through travel writing is a true asset to the Knowledge Circle. It adds a fresh layer of knowledge and perspectives beyond the traditional science-focused topics, further solidifying National Library and Archives’ commitment to enriching the knowledge society. This exploration also opens exciting doors to the world of travel literature and the captivating stories it holds.”

He continued, “The purpose of the National Library and Archives is to preserve archival content and keep a record of documents and ensuring it is accessible to the public. Alex Bescoby’s travel memoir does something similar by recounting the recreation of one of history’s greatest road journey. Through visual aids, it is stories like these that pique the interest of the general audience and give them an entry point to understand the many facets of cultural development.”

He concluded, “At the National Library and Archives, we’ve partnered with the Emirates Literature Foundation to make every Knowledge Circle session truly special. By moving the programme from our headquarters in Abu Dhabi to Dubai, we’re excited to welcome a new and diverse audience. This partnership with the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature allows us to embark on a thrilling, innovative journey, reflecting the National Library and Archives’ mission to nurture knowledge-based societies. We aim to spark interest in preserving our nation’s memory and aspirations, while safeguarding the UAE’s documentary record for future generations.”

Dr Husniya Al Ali warmly welcomed the attendees, offering her thanks to the event organizers. She then encouraged everyone to actively participate in the National Library and Archives’ ongoing Knowledge Circle series and other cultural and specialized events.

The session featured the captivating work of travel writer Alex Bescoby, who documents journeys from one destination to another, in the process showcasing how various places and aspects of life have changed over time. This has introduced a new dimension to the Knowledge Circle series as travel writing and documentary filmmaking, such as Bescoby’s, accurately captures these kinds of ongoing shifts in an exciting and dynamic way that garners attention from researchers, historians, and other adventure enthusiasts.

Isobel Abulhoul OBE, Founder, Advisor and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation said: “The Knowledge Circle series has proven to be a great success in bringing audiences to the National Library and Archives and sharing the significance of cultural development with the general public. I am thrilled that Knowledge Circle is coming to the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. We are so grateful to be able to share the experience of the Festival and the thought-provoking conversations at the sessions with more people through the support of partners like the National Library and Archives. I am curious and excited to see the next stops in the Knowledge Circle series.”

The Knowledge Circle programme is an engaging series of free cultural events that started last September and will continue throughout 2024. It includes monthly events that address crucial topics related to archives that lead the development of literature and cultural sector. The programme is also a great opportunity for the public to visit the premises of the National Library and Archives and other cultural centers of the UAE and learn about the rich past, present and future of the Emirates. To secure a spot and participate in this enriching dialogue, interested individuals can register at the website.

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About the National Library and Archives: The National Library and Archives is a pioneering institution dedicated to the preservation and exploration of the cultural heritage of the Arabian Gulf region. With a legacy spanning over fifty years, the National Library and Archives continues to be at the forefront of promoting cultural engagement and knowledge exchange. Through its various initiatives and events, it strives to provide a platform for individuals to deepen their understanding of the rich history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates.

About the Emirates Literature Foundation: The Emirates Literature Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation which supports and nurtures a love of literature in the United Arab Emirates and the region, through a programme of varied cultural initiatives. Established in 2013 by Royal Decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Foundation aims to foster a love for literature, with a focus on the Arabic language.

In line with the National Reading Policy of the UAE, the Foundation has implemented several long-term projects including the First Chapter, the School Librarian of the Year Award, Kateb Maktub, and From the Inside Out, as well as conducting year-round student education programmes, book clubs and mentorship programmes. The Foundation’s previous initiatives included the 2020 International Literary Festivals Conference, the 2017 Dubai International Publishing Conference and the 2016 Dubai Translation Conference.

The Foundation is also the governing body of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the UAE’s premier literary festival.