The 35th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF 2026) has officially launched at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, an entity under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the event runs for six days, concluding on 18th September.
This year’s edition hosts more than 1,500 cultural and educational activities designed to engage readers, intellectuals, and creative professionals. The event highlights Balkan Culture as its Guest of Honour, presented in partnership with the Republic of North Macedonia, to showcase the historical and artistic diversity of the region. Furthermore, the fair celebrates the linguist Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi as the Focus Personality, while designating Miguel de Cervantes’ masterpiece, Don Quixote, as the Book of the World.
Aligning with the UAE’s declaration of 2026 as the ‘Year of Family,’ the fair features a program specifically curated to encourage intergenerational engagement. Dedicated spaces have been created to allow families to explore Arabic heritage and literature together, bridging the gap between domestic life and the pursuit of knowledge. Additional attractions include popular segments such as Poetry Nights, the ‘Podcast from Abu Dhabi’ series, ‘The Next Chapter’ sessions, and various musical performances paying tribute to legendary artists like Abdel Halim Hafez.
Operating under the theme ‘Turn the Page, Read the World,’ the fair serves as a vital platform for the publishing industry and the broader creative economy. Organisers emphasise that the event acts as a strategic driver for growth, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development through culture and soft power.
By facilitating dialogue among civilizations and promoting the Arabic language, the ADIBF 2026 reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s standing as a global cultural capital. The fair continues to serve as a hub for knowledge production, fostering connections between nations and shaping a future built on shared intellectual exploration. The report also notes that with more than 1,500 cultural and knowledge events on the agenda, the Fair offers a unique experience that celebrates books and brings together readers, creatives, and intellectuals, offering all members of the community. The report also notes that opening a window onto a region rich in historical and cultural diversity, where East meets West, the 2026 Fair has chosen Balkan Culture as its Guest of Honour in collaboration with the Republic of North Macedonia. The report also notes that where its diverse programme places the family at the heart of the cultural experience, offering differe, the Fair’s message is further amplified by its alignment with the UAE’s designation of 2026 as the ‘Year of Family’.
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