Arabic Book Program
Arabic Book Program, Embassy Amman
Faouzi Bakir reading Jubran's poetry in Arabic
The Arabic Book Program (ABP) was established in 1986, with the objective of translating into Arabic, publishing, and distributing selected books from American writers in various areas, including economics, management sciences, politics, humanities, arts, and the environment.
The publication and distribution of Arabic Book Program titles is carried out by Jordanian and regional publishers. Books published are made available to readers in bookshops at reasonable prices. The program has produced over one hundred titles, many of which are still available.
U.S. Embassies wishing to place book orders may contact us at ABPamman@state.gov.
May 5: Arabic Book Program Launches “Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volume 1”
To conclude the Embassy’s Earth Day activities, the Arabic Book Program and the Environmental Hub, in cooperation with the Royal Scientific Society, organized a Digital Video Conference with Brad Lancaster to launch the Arabic version of his book, “Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volume 1” at Princess Sumaya University in Amman. Over fifty local and international water specialists attended the event and interacted in a long discussion with the author. Copies of the book were provided to the participants and the organizations they represent.
May 10: Arabic Book Program Book Club Discusses Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
The Arabic Book Program (ABP) Book Club held its monthly meeting at the University of Jordan’s American Corner to discuss William Ury’s book Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In. The students all agreed that the book presents excellent ideas for negotiations at different levels from, shopping to international relations. The students referred to some of the examples and techniques provided by the author and gave examples from their own experience on the topic. The book, translated by ABP, was a national bestseller in the United States.
February 15- Storytelling and Fun Day with Orphans at SOS
The Arabic Book Program (ABP) in cooperation with its trained storytellers and other University of Jordan students led a day of storytelling, interactive games and awareness sessions on self confidence for 20 orphans ages 7-14 at SOS Children's Village. At the close of the activity children were given copies of ABP-translated titles on responsibility.
April 16 - The Arabic Book Program Celebrates Arab-American Author Gibran in a Special Poetry and Music Concert
In an unprecedented event at Amman’s Royal Cultural Center, over 500 Jordanian, Arab and American spectators enjoyed the reading of the works of the Arab-American author Gibran Khalil Gibran in both English and Arabic. Not merely a bilingual poetry reading, this was a multimedia performance, created by Jordanian composer Tareq Al-Nasser whose work accompanied the display of Gibran’s art work, manuscripts and photos. Two shows celebrated the 80th anniversary of Gibran and offered the audience a unique cross cultural journey into the life of this great Arab-American writer. Tareq Al-Nasser combined Jazz piano to Eastern instruments like the Middle Eastern flute or nai as an accompaniment to hybrid themes of the poetry. American Embassy officers read famous passages from Gibran’s The Prophet, while other works were read by a Jordanian poet.
Watch this video of the making of the Gibran event
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV6wlEpr9HY&feature=share
December 14, 2010- ABP launches "Getting to Yes" with Author William Ury
The Arabic Book Program in Amman, in cooperation with the American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan, hosted a DVC with Dr. William L. Ury, author of "Getting to YES: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In" on November 29 at the Amman Marriott Hotel. Dr. Ury highlighted some of the top negotiation strategies covered in the book and answered audience members' questions.
December 22, 2010- DVC with Human Rights expert David Weissbrodt
The Arabic Book Program hosted a DVC with Professor David Weissbrodt to launch the Arabic translation of his book "Selected International Human Rights Instruments and Bibliography for Research on International Human Rights." to an audience of graduate students at the newly established Faculty for Human Rights Studies at the University of Jordan. The event was held at the American Corner. The DVC was a discussion about human rights principles, their application and challenges to human rights in the Middle East and Jordanian contexts.
September 27- ABP organizes a DVC with Palestinian-American writer Naomi Shihab Nye
The Arabic Book Program and the American Corner at the University of Jordan hosted a DVC with Palestinian-American writer Naomi Shihab Nye On September 27, 2010. Over 50 interested students, academics and others attended the event. Mrs. Nye discussed her writing experience, influences, her Arab and American identities and the power of art to transform societies.
September 21- ABP Launches A New Religious America via DVC with author Diana Eck
The Arabic Book Program at the U.S. Embassy, in cooperation with the Royal Institute for Interfaith Studies, hosted a digital video conference with Professor Diana Eck from Harvard University to launch the Arabic version of her book: A New Religious America: How a “Christian Country” Has Become the World’s Most Religious Diverse Nation, at Princess Sumaya University for Technology. The DVC was followed by a rich panel discussion by His Excellency Professor Kamel Abu Jaber, Dr. Mohammad Al-Rayyan from the University of Jordan – Faculty of Sharia and Dr. Amer El-Hafi from the Center for Islamic Studies of Al-Al Beit University. Audience included journalists, religious scholars, students, academics and Jordanians involved in interfaith dialogue activities.
ABP has participated in the following regional events and exhibitions:
- Abu Dhabi Book Fair (2010)
- The Casablanca Book Fair (2005-2011)
- Damascus Book Fair (2009 - 2011)
- Kuwait Book Fair (2009 - 2011)
- Al-Riyadh Book Fair (2008 - 2010)
- The Hashemite University Book Exhibition (2007)
- The Cairo Book Fair (2005, 2006)
- The Tunis Book Fair (April 2005)
- The Jordan University for Science and Technology Fair (2004, 2005)