As part of the celebration of Balkan Culture as Guest of Honour at the 35^th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF),in collaboration with the Republic of North Macedonia , North Macedonia is presenting a diverse cultural agenda to introduce visitors to the rich culture of the Balkan region, its linguistic diversity, and its literary and artistic heritage.

The programme also highlights aspects of the country’s cultural identity, which has been shaped over centuries of interaction with different civilisations and cultures.

His Excellency Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), said: “Celebrating Balkan culture as Guest of Honour at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026, in collaboration with the Republic of North Macedonia, aims to build strong bridges of cultural communication and inter-civilisational dialogue between the Arab world and South-East Europe, a regionwhich is distinguished by its unique diversity and its rich blend of Eastern and Western influences.”

“This provides Arab audiences with an opportunity to explore the richness of Balkan culture, including its literature, arts, and traditions, and to discover the historical and human commonalities that have connected the two cultures throughout the ages,” His Excellency added. “Moreover, it opens new horizons for intellectual and professional exchange through the reciprocal translation of literary works and the signing of cooperation agreements between publishers and cultural institutions from both regions. In doing so, it offers professionals in cultural sectors a global platform that shines a light on the region’s rich literary heritage, cultural legacy, intellectual achievements, and contemporary creative expressions, through live events, panel discussions, artistic performances, rare manuscripts, and other cultural exhibits that reinforce the values of tolerance and cultural diversity.”

“On that note,” H.E. bin Tamim continued, “I would like to thank His Excellency Abdulkadar Memedi, Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia to the UAE, for his efforts in facilitating this celebration of the Balkans culture – held in collaboration with the Republic of North Macedonia – and presenting it in a manner befitting its distinctive civilisational aspects. This, in turn, reaffirms our shared commitment to elevating the value of culture, art, and literature through inter-civilisational dialogue among the peoples of the world.”

North Macedonia’s participation in the Guest of Honour programme adds a distinctive cultural dimension to the event, broadening cultural exchange between Arab audiences and the region. It also provides an insight into explore a country whose history and cultural development have been shaped by the interplay of Eastern and Western influences.

Through its cultural programme, North Macedonia presents a portrait of a society characterised by linguistic and cultural diversity, inviting visitors to explore its history, culture, and arts.

In a pavilion designed to offer a living cultural experience, visitors can encounter tangible evidence of the depth of this heritage. Highlights include original manuscripts dating back more than 600 years, offering a glimpse into North Macedonia’s cultural history and highlighting its longstanding connections with the Arab world, which reflects a rich tradition of intellectual and human exchange between cultures.

The Fair’s intellectual platforms serve as spaces for dialogue and cultural exchange, featuring sessions with thinkers, intellectuals, and writers from the Balkans. These includes Serbian Orientalist Professor Dragana Đorđević, whose book ‘A History of Lexicography’ explores aspects of the region’s linguistic history and heritage, tracing the development of its lexicon. The programme also includes literary and cultural sessions highlighting the diversity of Macedonian heritage in literature, art, and culture, enabling visitors to explore its varied influences and distinctive characteristics.

The participation goes beyond showcasing Macedonian culture; it aims to create professional networking opportunities for Balkan publishers and creators with their counterparts in the Arab world and international markets. These connections facilitate the exchange of expertise, foster partnerships, support new agreements, and help extend the reach of literature and creative works across borders.

The cultural programme offers visitors the chance to discover other facets of Balkan cultural identity through handicrafts, folk art, embroidered traditional costumes, and heritage artefacts that evoke ancestral stories and memories. Traditional music is performed using local instruments, including the kaval, a type of flute; the gaida, a bagpipe; and the tambura, a stringed instrument. These performances reflect the diverse cultural landscape of North Macedonia and the wider Balkan region.

The Republic of North Macedonia’s participation in the Guest of Honour programme embodies the essence of the initiative as a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue between nations. It gives Arab audiences an opportunity to explore the Balkan region’s history, music, literature, and arts, while enabling Macedonian and Balkan creators and publishers to engage with the Arab cultural scene.

The programme reflects the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair’s commitment to building bridges between cultures; fostering cultural and intellectual exchange; strengthening the values of dialogue, cooperation, and tolerance; and reinforcing the role of books and knowledge in connecting people and civilisations.