Under Patronage Of UAE President, 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair To Take Place In September
Muhammad Irfan | Published August 19, 2026 | 10:45 AM
ABU DHABI (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM – 19th Aug, 2026) Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, will organise the 35th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair from 13th to 18th September 2026 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
The fair, held under the theme "Turn the Page, Read the World", will bring together renowned figures from the publishing sector and the cultural and creative industries, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s presence on the global cultural map. The programme will feature around 1,500 events aligned with the UAE’s Year of Family aspirations, and will include exhibitors from 95 countries alongside distinguished writers, thinkers, and academics from around the world.
This year’s programme is organised around three main themes: global culture and civilisational dialogue, innovation and the creation of the future, and the arts and live cultural experiences. The Balkans will be celebrated as the Guest of Honour, while the fair will honour scholar Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi as its Focus Personality and Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote as the Book of the World.
These selections embody the fair’s tribute to the figures and works that have shaped human consciousness, enriched thought, and promoted dialogue between civilisations throughout history.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, stated:
"For 35 years, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has helped shape a vibrant cultural ecosystem where ideas are exchanged, creativity is nurtured, and literature enriches everyday life. It has grown into one of the region’s leading platforms for cultural exchange, supporting the growth of the global publishing and creative industries while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a centre for culture, knowledge and innovation."
Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, added: "The fair continues to connect people, ideas and cultures, showcasing the richness of Arab culture and the authenticity of Emirati identity."
The event serves as a vital platform for cultural dialogue, enabling participants and visitors to engage with leading thinkers, writers, and publishers, and explore the latest trends.
