The 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has opened at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, bringing together publishers, writers, academics, cultural institutions and readers from 95 countries for a six-day programme running from 13 to 18 September.
The fair is being held under the patronage of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. WAM reported that the 2026 edition features more than 1,500 cultural and knowledge events.
Seven countries are participating for the first time this year: Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Kosovo and Cuba. Their addition expands the fair’s international reach and reflects the organisers’ effort to position Abu Dhabi as a meeting point for publishing, translation and cultural exchange.
The 2026 edition is held under the theme “Turn the Page, Read the World.” Balkan Culture is the Guest of Honour in collaboration with the Republic of North Macedonia, while the renowned Arabic linguist Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi has been chosen as the Focus Personality. Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote is being highlighted as the Book of the World.
The programme extends well beyond book sales. It includes seminars, literary discussions, poetry evenings, podcasts, musical performances and dedicated activities for children, young adults and professionals working in publishing. A specialised conference is also addressing quality education and the publishing industry.
Families form an important part of this year’s programme, in line with the UAE’s designation of 2026 as the Year of Family. Organisers have created spaces intended to bring different generations into activities around books, the Arabic language and Arab cultural heritage.
The fair is also launching “Emirati Pioneers,” an annual initiative documenting the work and experiences of leading UAE cultural and intellectual figures. Mohammed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, has been selected as the first personality to be honoured under the initiative.
Another major component is the ceremony recognising winners of the 20th Sheikh Zayed Book Award. The award programme honours achievements in authorship, translation and research and is one of the UAE’s most prominent international cultural initiatives.
The fair formally opened on 13 September, with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, inaugurating the event under the patronage of the UAE President. During his visit, he toured several pavilions and reviewed cultural and publishing projects presented by participating institutions.
The scale of the programme reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader investment in publishing, translation and cultural infrastructure. By combining public events with professional publishing activity, the fair operates as both a cultural festival and an industry platform.
For visitors, the final days of the fair continue to offer access to exhibitions, panels, performances and publishing programmes at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The event closes on 18 September after six days of programming.
