New Initiatives | Al Ain Book Festival in 2025

Partnership with Majalis Abu Dhabi – Al Ain City

Collaboration with several majalis in Al Ain City to organise cultural sessions centred on Emirati heritage, youth empowerment, and other key community issues.

The initiative also includes sessions delivered by senior citizens, enabling them to share their rich life experiences with younger generations, strengthen social values, and reinforce positive principles through open intergenerational dialogue aimed at building a cohesive society.

Flavourful Nights Programme

The Flavourful Nights programme is launching for the first time at the Al Ain Book Festival, bringing a dynamic and interactive dimension to the festival atmosphere.

The programme features live cooking demonstrations in a fully equipped kitchen, where creativity meets the audience’s enthusiasm, offering visitors an enjoyable experience that blends entertainment with knowledge.

The programme also aims to showcase local talent in Al Ain and highlight the richness and diversity of Emirati cuisine, serving as a unique platform that celebrates the spirit of innovation and community engagement.

Martyr’s Day – 30 November

Martyr’s Day will be commemorated as part of the Al Ain Book Festival to express sincere gratitude to our fallen heroes and to instil a deep sense of national belonging in the hearts of the younger generation through interactive activities held at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.

1. Coordination with the Digital Media Department
A campaign will be launched encouraging children to wear military attire on this day.

2. “A Message to a Martyr” Initiative:

•Each child writes a short sentence on a small card starting with: “I am proud because you…”

•The child then places the card inside a specially designed mailbox installation.

•Children may keep a second copy of the card as a keepsake.

3. The Loyalty Oath, Moment of Silence, Flag Raising, National Anthem:

•A scheduled gathering will be organised for children in front of the main stage.

•A short pre-written text, titled “The Loyalty Oath”, will be recited collectively.

•The oath concludes with a moment of silence followed by the flag salute.

4. Military Display on the Main Stage:

•Coordination with the UAE Armed Forces to organise a military performance.

•A simplified educational segment will be delivered to children explaining the meaning of martyrdom and the importance of defending the homeland.

5. Festival Screens & Music Programming:
All festival screens and audio elements will be programmed to reflect the spirit of Martyr’s Day.

“Discover Your Story” Initiative

Building on the fact that children’s books topped the list of most-engaged content among visitors at the 2024 edition of the Al Ain Book Festival, and inspired by a popular trend among children and young readers, the idea for this initiative was developed.

It involves selecting nine children’s stories from the Centre’s publications and preparing brief summaries for each one. These stories are then placed inside a colourful, attractively designed envelope or box that appeals to children, who purchase it without knowing which story is inside. The child then records a video while opening the box, capturing their reaction, and sends it to the Centre’s social media accounts.

Al Ain in a Frame

An immersive interactive experience in collaboration with photographer Mansour Al Mansouri.

Digital screens will display a video showcasing Al Ain’s main landmarks.

The objective: To provide a distinctive visual experience, enhanced with the scent of dokhoon and oriental perfumes inspired by the essence of the past and the fragrance of the old days, taking you on an unforgettable sensory journey.