Book lovers and publishers from nearly 100 nations gather in Abu Dhabi for literary celebr
International gathering celebrates literature and cultural exchange across generations and continents.
Families, young readers, and publishing professionals from 95 countries will converge on Abu Dhabi this September for the 35th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, one of the region’s most enduring gatherings of writers, thinkers, and cultural voices.
Running from 13 to 18 September 2026 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the fair is held under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This year’s theme, “Turn the Page, Read the World,” shapes a programme of approximately 1,500 events built around the UAE’s Year of Family aspirations. For the children, educators, and book lovers who fill its halls each year, the fair is less a trade event than a place where literature becomes part of daily life.
Three areas anchor the programming: global culture and civilisational dialogue, innovation and the creation of the future, and the arts and live cultural experiences. The Balkans have been selected as Guest of Honour, bringing a distinct regional literary tradition into conversation with the fair’s international audience. The Focus Personality is Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi, an Arab scholar whose contributions shaped the Arabic literary tradition. Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote has been chosen as the Book of the World. Organisers say these selections honour figures and works that have shaped human consciousness and promoted dialogue across cultures throughout history.
What changes for visitors this year is the opening ceremony itself. Unique to this 35th edition, it will incorporate music, patriotic songs, and a theatrical performance inspired by Al Farahidi, marking the fair’s history in a way that goes beyond a ribbon-cutting.
The programme reaches across generations. Children and young adults will find dedicated educational and creative tracks running alongside a professional conference on emerging trends in publishing. A new initiative, “Poetry Nights,” makes its debut this year, offering readings, literary conversations, and critical discussions featuring distinguished poets from the Arab world. It is the kind of addition that turns an industry gathering into something a curious teenager or a poetry-loving retiree might actually seek out.
The 2026 Sheikh Zayed Book Award ceremony will also be held during the fair, honouring laureates and marking two decades of the award’s support for authorship, translation, and scholarly research.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, described what the fair has meant over its three and a half decades. “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,” he said. “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 Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, which is part of DCT Abu Dhabi and organises the fair, pointed to the human connections the event makes possible. “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,” he said. “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.”
By contrast with the scale of its international ambitions, the fair’s most immediate audience remains local: the families who bring their children to browse, the students who attend author talks, the readers who leave with a stack of books they had not planned to buy. Whether “Poetry Nights” grows into a fixture of the programme, or whether the Balkans focus opens new literary relationships for Arab publishers, will become clear once the doors open in September.
Q&A
Who attends the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and what draws them to the event?
Families, young readers, children, educators, students, and book lovers from 95 countries attend the fair. They come to browse books, attend author talks, engage with literature as part of daily life, and participate in educational and creative programs rather than treating it primarily as a trade event.
What new experiences will visitors encounter at the 35th edition in 2026?
The opening ceremony will feature music, patriotic songs, and a theatrical performance inspired by Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi. A new initiative called Poetry Nights will debut, offering readings, literary conversations, and critical discussions featuring distinguished poets from the Arab world.
How does the fair's programming reflect its connection to the UAE's Year of Family?
The fair's theme, 'Turn the Page, Read the World,' shapes approximately 1,500 events built around the UAE's Year of Family aspirations. The programming includes dedicated educational and creative tracks for children and young adults running alongside professional conferences, ensuring the event reaches across generations.
What cultural selections have been made for the 2026 fair and what do they represent?
The Balkans are Guest of Honour, bringing a distinct regional literary tradition to the international audience. Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi is the Focus Personality, an Arab scholar whose contributions shaped the Arabic literary tradition. Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote is the Book of the World. These selections honour figures and works that have shaped human consciousness and promoted dialogue across cultures.