Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025 Celebrates Knowledge

Post by : Layla Badr

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office

Under the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) has officially opened. His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, opened the event. The fair is organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) and will run from April 26 to May 5, 2025. The theme this year is “Knowledge Illuminates Our Community.”

The fair is being held at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, and this year it features the Culture of the Caribbean Basin as the Guest of Honour, the famous Muslim scholar Ibn Sina (Avicenna) as the Focus Personality, and the classic Arabic book One Thousand and One Nights as the Book of the World.

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During his visit, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed walked through the different stalls and spoke with publishers. He discussed both the challenges and opportunities that the book industry is facing, especially now as it moves more into the digital world.

This year, the fair will host more than 2,000 events, making it more than just a book fair. It includes everything from talks and workshops to cultural shows and discussions. For the first time, the event is also launching two new features: the Poetry Majlis, where people can enjoy poetry readings, and the Digitising Creativity Conference, which talks about using technology in books and publishing. These new events show Abu Dhabi’s growing leadership in the world of books and its focus on sustainability.

The theme this year matches the President’s declaration of 2025 as the “Year of Community.” The fair is expecting a huge number of visitors and participants, with 1,400 publishing houses from 96 countries taking part. This shows that the Abu Dhabi Book Fair is now one of the most respected book fairs in the world.

Leaders Speak About the Book Fair

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, said that this event shows how much Abu Dhabi values knowledge. He said books not only teach us but also bring people together across different cultures and generations.

Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, said that the fair helps strengthen the connection between the Arabic language and the community. It highlights how important books and creative industries are in building a knowledge-based economy and supporting cultural diversity.

He also said the fair reflects the UAE’s goals to support reading, Arabic culture, and peaceful living. The focus on Ibn Sina, One Thousand and One Nights, and the Caribbean culture shows the human values Abu Dhabi promotes through its cultural projects.

Programmes and Events at the Fair

The fair is designed to offer something for everyone, with events and activities divided into five main areas:

1. Cultural Programme – Inspire

This programme includes poetry, literature, translation, arts, and cultural talks. It features well-known writers and thinkers from around the world.

• The Poetry Majlis is being held for the first time. It includes readings of Nabati and classical Arabic poetry with music, and also poetry exchanges between Arab and international poets.

• The fair also celebrates One Thousand and One Nights, one of the most famous story collections in history. There will be shows, films, and music related to these stories.

• The Podcast from Abu Dhabi returns for its third season, where podcasters share ideas and tell stories to connect with the audience.

2. Professional Programme – Evolve

This programme supports professionals in the publishing industry. It offers networking with 1,400 publishers and includes:

• Workshops and talks on the future of books and publishing.

• Discussions on how AI is changing the book world.

• The new Digitising Creativity Conference, which explores how to use technology in publishing.

• The Business Lounge, where publishers can meet and work together.

3. Creative Arts Programme – Create

This part of the fair brings in fun and creativity through:

• Food shows featuring traditional cooking from around the world.

• Photography exhibitions and workshops.

• The Black Box Cinema, which shows short Arabic films.

• Live music from talented artists throughout the event.

4. Children and Youth Programme – Learn

A big part of the fair is focused on children and youth, helping them love the Arabic language and culture. The fair believes that young people are the future of the UAE.

• The Children’s Oasis and Alpha Corner are special areas with fun and learning mixed together.

• There are games, workshops, and stories to help kids learn Arabic in fun ways.

5. Exhibitors and Partners Programme – Explore

This part shows how the government and other groups support books and culture.

• The Under the Ghaf’s Shade event lets people sit and listen to famous writers read their work and sign books.

Supporting Arabic Language and Literature

The fair is also working to make Arabic more popular in the modern world. It supports new writers, encourages creativity, and helps build a strong Arabic library that fits today’s digital age.

With over 300,000 visitors expected, this year’s book fair is set to break records. It shows that people still love books and culture, and proves the UAE’s strong role in keeping culture alive, supporting the book world, and making Abu Dhabi a global hub for knowledge and creativity.

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