The 35th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is set to take place from September 13 to 18, 2026, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Held under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the event is organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), a division of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
Operating under the theme “Turn the Page, Read the World,” the fair will host exhibitors from 95 countries. The expansive program includes approximately 1,500 events designed to align with the UAE’s Year of Family, focusing on themes of global cultural dialogue, innovation, and artistic expression. These sessions aim to foster lifelong learning and strengthen community ties.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, noted that the fair has spent 35 years building a vibrant ecosystem for exchanging ideas and nurturing creativity. He emphasized that the event serves as a critical platform for supporting the global publishing industry while reinforcing the emirate’s status as a hub for knowledge and innovation. Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, added that the fair remains a vital bridge for connecting diverse cultures and highlighting the authenticity of Emirati identity.
This year’s edition introduces several new features, starting with a special opening ceremony that celebrates the event’s 35-year history. The opening will include a theatrical performance inspired by the scholar Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi, who has been named this year’s Focus Personality. Additionally, the fair will debut “Poetry Nights,” a series dedicated to literary conversations and critical discussions featuring prominent poets from across the Arab world.
The Balkans have been selected as the Guest of Honour for 2026, while Miguel de Cervantes’ masterpiece, Don Quixote, is designated as the Book of the World. These choices reflect the event’s commitment to honoring works and figures that have significantly shaped human consciousness and cross-cultural understanding.
The schedule also includes a professional conference focused on emerging trends within the publishing sector, alongside specialized educational and creative workshops for children and young adults. In keeping with tradition, the fair will host the 2026 Sheikh Zayed Book Award ceremony to honor this year’s laureates and celebrate two decades of the award’s contributions to authorship, translation, and scholarly research.
By bringing together distinguished writers, thinkers, and academics, the fair continues to function as a key driver for the creative industries. The initiative reflects the broader vision of the UAE and Abu Dhabi to utilize culture as a tool for sustainable development and soft power, ensuring that knowledge remains at the center of the nation’s future growth. The report also notes that innovation and the creation of the future, and the arts and live cultural experiences, this year’s programme is organised around three main themes: global culture and civilisational dialogue. The report also notes that initiatives such as the fair play an essential role in inspiring new generations of readers, writers and creators, while driving the emirate’s continued social, intellectual and economic development.”, as we continue to invest in our cultural infrastructure.
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