Under the patronage of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the six-day cultural gathering at ADNEC will feature the Balkans as Guest of Honour and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award.
ABU DHABI, August 19, 2026:Under the patronage of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) will take place from September 13 to 18, 2026, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC)—part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)—the event will host around 1,500 cultural and educational activities featuring exhibitors from 95 countries.
Held under the theme “Turn the Page, Read the World,” the 2026 edition aligns with the UAE’s Year of Family aspirations, placing cultural engagement and lifelong learning at the heart of community life.
The six-day event brings together global publishers, authors, thinkers, and industry professionals across three primary thematic pillars: global culture and civilisational dialogue, innovation and future-creation, and arts and live cultural experiences.
The 35th edition marks several major highlights:
• Guest of Honour: The Balkans region will be featured as the Guest of Honour, showcasing its rich literary heritage and cultural exchange. • Focus Personality: Classical Arabic grammarian and lexicographer Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi has been named the Focus Personality. • Book of the World: Miguel de Cervantes’ literary masterpiece Don Quixote will be honored as the Book of the World.
For the first time in its history, the fair will open with a dedicated inaugural ceremony reflecting on its 35-year legacy. The ceremony will combine musical and patriotic performances with a theatrical production inspired by Al Farahidi.
“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,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi. “As we continue to invest in our cultural infrastructure, initiatives such as the fair play an essential role in inspiring new generations of readers, writers and creators.”
Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, noted that the fair continues to connect global cultures while showcasing Arab heritage. “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,” Bin Tamim said.
The 2026 fair will also launch “Poetry Nights,” a new series featuring readings, critical discussions, and literary exchanges with prominent poets from across the Arab world. A professional industry conference will run concurrently, addressing emerging trends, digital transformation, and market dynamics in global publishing.
Additionally, the fair will host the official presentation ceremony for the 2026 Sheikh Zayed Book Award, celebrating two decades of recognizing outstanding achievements in authorship, translation, and humanities research. Specialized educational and creative programming tailored for children and young adults will run throughout the six days at ADNEC.
