DUBAI — Saudi journalist Faisal J. Abbas, Editor in Chief of Arab News, held a book signing for his first book titled "Arabi-Englizi: a story about London... through Arab Eyes!" on Monday at the Annual Arab Media Forum. The book signing will continue on Tuesday. Abbas said the book is about his experiences in moving from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to London, Great Britain, to work for Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper. Kitab Publishing House, based in the United Arab Emirates, is the publisher of the book. The author described his book as a "civil dialogue" in concordance with the title of the forum. "For any dialogue to become a civil one, it must be based on facts and not fiction. We encourage the masses, as reporters and authors, to take either a positive or negative side of any case as long as it is based on credible information," said Abbas. "At a time where the fear of immigrants and xenophobia are on the rise. This book tells a story about the beauty of coexistence... that while British and Arab cultures may be world apart, there is still much that brings the two together and indeed, one could be both Arabi and Englizi without any issues," Abbas said. He added, "My experience in the United Kingdom has been a positive one and I have been welcomed with much tolerance and open arms; however, as any newcomer, I have had my issues integrating and as one of the definitions of experience is that it's an accumulation of mistakes, I am delighted to share my mistakes with the readers in hopes that they make someone's else's experience smoother." Asked by Saudi Gazette whether there is an English edition of the book coming out soon, Abbas said that there has been some inquiries from British and German publishers but the priority and focus now are on the Arabic edition which has just been released Monday at the Arab Media Forum. Earlier this year, Abbas won the British Council's UK Alumni Award for social impact. The publisher and founder of Kitab Publishing House, Jamal Al-Shahi, said the Annual Arab Media Forum has become an important platform to launch literary works of a number of prominent journalists. "We are pleased to present the work of our colleague the esteemed journalist Faisal J. Abbas as Kitab Publishing House is always an encouraging platform for Emirati, Gulf Arab and Arab authors," said Al-Shahi. Former Editor in Chief of Al-Sharq Al-Awsat and founder of Elaph website Othman Al-Omeir has written the introduction to the book. He wrote, "This book provides the reader with an insightful and rich take on the author's experience." He adds, "Most books tend to give a general touristic details of London. Abbas gives us the detailed journey of him adapting to the British lifestyle." The book took more than two years of research and compilation as it references articles and investigative features on various events the author experienced while living and working in London. Those who wish to purchase the book, they may visit Kitab Publishing House at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair held from April 26 to May 2. For more information on the book, inquirers may visit the book's official website www.arabienglizi.com or follow the social media account @ArabiEnglizi
