As part of its recently concluded 35^th edition, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), celebrated a group of publishing houses, cultural institutions, and members of its own team whose contributions helped shape the Fair’s pioneering journey and strengthen its presence since its earliest editions.

The recognition formed part of an initiative titled ‘The Pioneers of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair: Celebrating the Founding Generation of Publishers’, launched to recognise the contributions of the Fair’s early partners and their role in supporting the book and publishing industry and enriching the culture and knowledge sector.

The initiative reflected the Fair’s commitment to recognising the efforts of its partners and those who have made significant contributions to the cultural sector. It also acknowledged the leading role of publishing houses in shaping awareness, promoting Arab culture, strengthening the publishing and book industries, encouraging reading and knowledge, and preserving the presence and diversity of Arabic content.

Moreover, the initiative recognised the notable efforts these partners have made in documenting part of the Fair’s history and its journey since its launch in 1981, celebrating those who helped establish it as a leading cultural and knowledge platform in the Arab world and internationally.

The recognition included publishing houses and cultural institutions that took part in the Fair’s early editions, including That Al Salasil; the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters; Al Dar Al Masriah Al Lubnaniah; Dar Al Maaref; Librairie du Liban Publishers; University Bookshop; Motivate Media Group; General Egyptian Book Organisation; Arab Scientific Publishers; Hala Publishing; Al Kamel Publications; Arab House for Encyclopedias and Books; Dar Al Muna, Emirates Writers Union; Dubai Distribution; The Cultural and Scientific Association; United Arab Emirates University; Dar Al Qalam; Dar Al Matbouat; Rabie Publishing House; Dar Al Adab; Riad Al Rayyes Books and Publishing.

The participating institutions represented publishers and cultural organisations from the UAE, Kuwait, Egypt, Lebanon, Germany, Iraq, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Syria.

The recognition also included members of the ADIBF team who took part in its early editions, including H.E. Juma Abdullah Al Qubaisi, H.E. Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Mr. Khalfan Misbah Al Muhairi, Mr. Ibrahim Bu Majeed, Mr. Badr Abdul Karim Al Ameri, Mr. Mohammed Al Shorouqi, Mr. Mohammed Al Shamsi, Mr. Mahmoud Darwish, Mr. Ibrahim Al Marzouqi, Mr. Abdullah Butti Al Qubaisi, Mr. Matar Al Shamsi, Mr. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Mr. Zuhair Zaza, Mr. Mohammed Samantar, Ms. Laila Al Qubaisi, Ms. Mai Al Saffarini, Mr. Ali Al Khoujli, Mr. Anas Idlibi, Dr. Abdul Hamid Abdul Hai, Mr. Hamdi Hamouda, Ms. Mona Ahmed, Ms. Hiba Obaid, Ms. Reem Al Metwally, and Mr. Adel Askar.

‘The Pioneers of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair’ initiative selected individuals and institutions to be recognised based on a set of clear and transparent criteria. These included history of participation in the Fair; professional track record in publishing; cultural and literary value of the content produced; volume and diversity of output; commitment to complying with intellectual property rights, laws, and regulations; and geographic diversity. Together, these criteria reflected the richness of the Fair’s experience and the diverse range of partners who have accompanied it at different stages of its journey.

In addition to the recognition ceremony, the initiative offered a comprehensive programme celebrating the Fair’s pioneers, which included inviting honourees to take part in the Fair’s programmes, producing promotional materials and videos documenting their inspiring careers, and launching a media campaign highlighting their achievements.

Moreover, the initiative provided distinct visibility to the stands of the honoured publishing houses through special designs and signage, with spaces that showcased first editions of their books. Panel discussions moderated by expert media professionals were held on the Fair’s stage featuring a number of honourees who took part in its first and second editions. The honourees also took part in partner programmes and live podcast broadcasts, giving younger generations an opportunity to learn from their experiences and benefit from their knowledge.

The initiative additionally included producing a dedicated video for the recognition ceremony and working with the honoured publishing houses to document images of their locations, both past and present, where the materials produced were then promoted through the digital platforms of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and the Publishers Association. Honourees participating in the 2026 Fair also received special benefits, including preferential pricing and stand locations, along with commemorative shields and certificates of appreciation.

With this initiative, the ALC reaffirmed that shaping the future of the publishing industry begins with preserving its history and recognising those whose contributions helped build it. Honouring the pioneers creates a bridge between generations, giving young publishers and cultural figures an opportunity to learn from the experiences that helped shape the publishing sector, and to draw on them as they develop new tools and continue to innovate and create.

This tribute to the ADIBF pioneers formed part of his year’s exceptional edition of the Fair, which brought together exhibitors from 95 countries, offering more than 1,500 cultural and knowledge events to visitors at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. It reflected the remarkable growth the Fair has experienced since its early beginnings and its evolution into the premier cultural platform it is today, and a global hub for publishers, cultural figures, creative talents, and knowledge producers.

The recognition also reflects the ALC’s vision to support the Arabic language, publishing industry, and emerging talent in writing, translation, authorship, research, and content creation. It aims to strengthen the global presence of Arab culture, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for cultural dialogue, knowledge creation, and the creative industries. This vision aligns with the Fair’s broader view, which places books and knowledge at the heart of a global cultural experience that brings combines dialogue, innovation, and shaping the future.

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair continues to make remarkable contributions that serve to promote communication and collaboration; support the development of the publishing and creative industries; nurture talent in writing, translation, publishing, research, and content creation; and strengthen the presence of the Arabic language both locally and internationally, through its annual cultural, intellectual, professional, educational, and creative programmes.