ABU DHABI, 12th September, 2026 (WAM) – Thirty-five years separate the launch of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) at the Cultural Foundation from its arrival today as one of the most prominent cultural and knowledge platforms on the international book-fair landscape.
Over the course of this journey, the fair has reflected the transformations of the cultural landscape in the United Arab Emirates, kept pace with the development of the publishing and book industries, and established the country as a global destination for cultural dialogue and the exchange of knowledge. Through its diverse programmes and international reach, the Abu Dhabi International Book 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 shaping the future of publishing, and the cultural and creative industries.
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 (ADIBF) from 13 to 18 September 2026 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), under the theme '‘Turn the Page, Read the World’'.
Reflecting its position as a leading platform for publishing, literature and cultural exchange, the fair will once again 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 bring together exhibitors from 95 countries alongside distinguished writers, thinkers, and academics from around the world. Together, these elements reflect the growing role of culture in nurturing lifelong learning, strengthening family and community connections, and shaping future generations.
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 the 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.
The fair dates back to 1981, when the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan inaugurated its first edition under the name “Islamic Book Fair” at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi. The inaugural event featured 50 publishers, marking the beginning of a long journey from a local cultural event to an internationally renowned fair.
Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and Director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, said in a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that throughout its history, the fair has presented a pioneering model for building a global knowledge-based society.
He added that the theme of the 35th edition, “Turn the Page and Read the World,” embodies the UAE’s civilizational role in building bridges of human connection, fostering openness to knowledge, and maintaining a constant commitment to renewal and continuous development.
He noted that the theme represents an invitation to transcend geographical boundaries through the gateway of ideas and engagement with the civilizations of the world.
In a first for the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, a special ceremony will open the event, celebrating its 35-year journey. The event will explore the UAE’s cultural narrative with music and patriotic songs and will feature a theatrical performance inspired by Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad Al-Farahidi, the Focus Personality of this year's edition.
This year's fair will present a wide-ranging programme of cultural and knowledge-based events, alongside dedicated educational and creative programmes for children and young adults. A professional programme will also feature a specialised conference exploring emerging trends in the publishing industry. The fair will also launch a new programme, ‘Poetry Nights’, featuring a rich blend of poetry readings, literary conversations, and critical discussions with some of the Arab world's most distinguished poets.
In keeping with a long-standing tradition, the fair will host the 2026 Sheikh Zayed Book Award ceremony, honouring this year's laureates and marking the award's achievements over the past two decades. The ceremony will also highlight its contribution to supporting authorship, translation, and scholarly research, in line with the fair's broader role in advancing cultural life.
Now in its 35th year, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair continues to strengthen its position as a global platform for cultural dialogue and a key driver of growth in publishing and the wider cultural and creative industries. This reflects the UAE's and Abu Dhabi's vision to place culture and knowledge at the heart of sustainable development, harness culture as a source of soft power and promote intercultural dialogue, further advancing Abu Dhabi's standing as a global cultural capital and a leading centre for knowledge creation.