Arab News Editor-in-Chief Launches Best-selling Book at Bahrain Cultural Centre
by BTM
Thu, 05 December 2024
Saudi author and Arab News’ Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas recently launched his book, Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile, at Bahrain’s Sheikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research.
Abbas, who also sits on the editorial board of Al Arabiya News Channel, spoke of many-a-fond Bahraini-British anecdote, such as the time when the late Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to the small gulf country drew in nationwide excitement, with the streets decorated with Union Jacks alongside the Bahraini flag.
“With over 200 years of Bahraini-British history, it was only normal for me to choose Bahrain for the GCC launch of my book which seeks to examine how Arabs view Britain, its history and culture,” says Mr. Abbas.
“Like Britain, Bahrain is also an island that has another similarity, a deeply-rooted cultural impact and this is embodied in the amazing work done at the Shaikh Ebharim bin Mohammad Al Khalifa Centre, which I am honoured to present a copy of my book to”, he adds.
Speaking at the event, Bahraini businessman and philanthropist, Khalid Abdulla-Janahi, says: “When I read Faisal’s book, I was reminded of a famous saying ‘Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter.”
“The Arab world has always been interpreted through a western lens. Finally, we have a regional voice deeply ensconced in both Middle Eastern and European worlds who is able to story-tell, and share observations and insights with a global audience in a readily accessible and impactful way,” he adds.
In attendance at the talk were a number of diplomats, researchers and intellectuals. As well as the founder and chairperson of the Sheikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research, Shaikha Mai bin Mohammed Al Khalifa.
Shaikha Mai went on to commend Abbas’s book, stating: “It was a pleasure hosting Saudi author Faisal Abbas and having the Gulf launch of his book at our centre, as we firmly believe in cross cultural communication.”
“Our centre was established as a forum for dialogue between people in philosophy, literature, poetry, culture and the arts, and this is exactly what this culture soiree tonight achieved,” she adds.
Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile is a collection of engaging stories that blend humour and cultural observations to explore the author's deep appreciation for British culture from an Arab perspective. The book shares various personal experiences and anecdotes that highlight the author's encounters with British life, traditions, and people.
Abbas reflects on the contrasts and intersections between Arab and British cultures, offering insights into both worlds. The anecdotes cover a range of topics, including language, social norms, and the author's love for literature, while providing a lighthearted take on cultural differences and shared human experiences.
Through his stories, Abbas invites readers to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the joys of cross-cultural connections. Overall, the book serves as a celebration of cultural diversity and the enriching experience of being an "Anglophile" in the Arab world.
Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile is available across Jarir bookstores in Bahrain. It was first launched at the British Society of Authors (SoA) last summer, and in Saudi Arabia at the Riyadh International Book-fair last October, where it became a best seller in the kingdom.
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