All Aboard! Logos Hope - The World's Largest Floating Bookfair is in Abu Dhabi
Extended Library Day
As a homeschooling family, we are always on the lookout for exciting and educational experiences that we can share together. So, when I learned that Logos Hope, the world's largest floating book fair, would be docking here in Abu Dhabi this month, I made sure we do not miss the opportunity to embark on a unique adventure.
Logos Hope first docked in Ras Al Khaimah in April, then in Dubai. Finally, it came to Abu Dhabi and became open to the public last May 18th. It's been marked in our calendars for a while now and so when we went there after our weekly Library Day last Friday.
Logos Hope in Abu Dhabi
Date: Mary 18 - June 4, 2023
Port: Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal (Marsa Mina)
Opening Hours:
Monday - Closed
Tuesday - Sunday: 16:00 - 22:00
Entrance: Free
We reached Marsa Mina around 5:30 pm. All of us were excited as we saw the ship behind the terminal building. The kids have never seen one this up close. In a few minutes, we would be on an actual ship! Yay!
The port in itself was already beautiful and well-maintained. I was actually a bit surprised that there was no security check at the port even going into the ship.
The ship,finally!
The breeze at the port was so refreshing, considering it had been very hot that day. Just 1.5 hrs since the opening time and there were already people coming out. Hmmm, I wonder what to expect inside...
Welcome Aboard!
We were greeted by smiling, cordial staff. There was a short briefing for the visitors explaining what to expect, the payment methods, etc.
Things to remember:
- Debit card payment is not accepted. Only cash and credit card.
- the items for sale were priced in "units" with an equivalent in the local currency. In the UAE 100 units = AED10 ($2.71)
The onboard bookstore on Logos Hope was a book lover's paradise. As we wandered through the aisles, we were amazed by the sheer variety and depth of the collection. The books ranged from classic novels to contemporary bestsellers, from academic textbooks to children's literature. It was a true treasure trove for readers of all ages and interests.
I let the kids choose their books - my eldest got a book of 6000 Awesome Facts, Little Miss got an art book, while Little Man chose a Roald Dahl.
It started to get crowded at the bookstore and we had to move on after paying for our books.
Moving forward, there was a story-telling walkthrough with vibrant art lined along the walls. There were also a few screens that showed the animated story, an interpretation of the story of the Prodigal Son from the Bible.
Cafe
After a bit of exploring and shopping, we decided to take a break at the onboard café. The café was also a bit crowded at the time but there were still enough seating and a view of the port through large windows. The menu had a selection of refreshments, including hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, pastries, and snacks.
Little Miss tried her "photography skills" while we were on the queue to buy our snacks.
Finally, we had the time to sit and rest our feet and legs! Whew.
We'll be back.
Logos Hope isn't just about books; it also offered a wide range of performances, workshops, and activities. We are looking forward to coming back and watching the onboard cultural performances showcasing music and dance from different parts of the world next week.
It was already dark when we left and the view at the port was even more mesmerizing. We could see the Louvre Abu Dhabi not too far away.
We lingered for a while and just soaked in the experience and the beauty of our surroundings. We even sat inside the terminal for a few more minutes before heading home.
Logos Hope
Logos Hope is a non-profit floating bookstore that travels to ports worldwide, offering a diverse selection of books for visitors to explore and purchase. The ship also hosts cultural exchange activities, performances, and workshops, facilitated by international volunteers. Logos Hope aims to promote literacy, education, and cultural understanding. The proceeds from book sales support the ship's operations and fund educational and humanitarian projects.
All photos on this post are owned by the author and cannot be used without permission.
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The place looks spectacular, heaven for booklovers.
Who wouldn't love to visit there?
It is, indeed! So many selections for all ages and interests.
And this is why I love Market Friday! I would never have known that such a thing exists. How incredible. I would have loved to take my kids to a floating book fair when they were young. Of course, it would never come to Minnesota, which is land locked. We are called "The Land of 10,000 Lakes," so there's water everywhere, but no access for ocean liners! I'll have to find out if it will come to the US, and plan a trip.
Yes! It was such an experience. I have not looked up if they dock around the US, but it would be fantastic if they do.
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STOPI love the idea of the floating bookstore!~ What a wonderful way for the arts to expand their reach of the world. I have seen some pretty cool floating extravaganza, but, this is the best (well, except for the hospital!)The storytelling walkthrough was nice!
I know that must have been quite the experience, I was excited just going with you! Everything about it was awesome! I am so glad that you thought of #MarketFriday when you went. Thank you for taking us along!
#MarketFriday began as a way to reach out across the globe and learn about different cultures through their markets, especially local markets and farmers' markets, and eventually branched out and evolved over time from straight shopping to a cultural affair as it highlights how we differ and then again, how much we are alike. We have become a melting pot of culture, but it is still the Rituals, Festivals, food, architecture, and even your language/languages that separate us... Along with the fact that these things are normal for us. There are unwritten rules that rule our social behaviors. I see this as allowing for increased tolerance between cultures and nations, and opportunities to come together on an even playing ground. A strong culture can be beneficial to a country as it promotes unity, especially during a crisis, peaceful debate, and open dialogue. I have learned so much about all of you and it has been an amazing experience. I can only hope that learning about each other can help us work together for a peaceful world.
Thank you for being a part of #MarketFriday