Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026: Facts and Figures

About the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) was launched in 1981 to serve as an international cultural platform that brings together publishers, intellectuals, libraries, agents, and cultural and media establishments under one roof to exchange ideas and experiences, identify promising opportunities, and promote communication and cooperation in the publishing sector and creative industries.

Each year, the event welcomes Arab, regional, and international publishers, offering them dedicated, comprehensive cultural, professional, and educational programmes, along with creative and entertainment events. The programme also includes lectures, panel discussions, and specialised workshops featuring prominent writers and intellectuals. This contributes to the development of the publishing sector and creative industries, enhancing the capabilities of local and Arab publishers, and unlocking new opportunities for them.

Key Facts and Figures

• Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates
• Organiser: Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC)
• Dates: 13–18 September 2026
• Public Opening Hours: 09:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Venue: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
• Edition: 35th
• Exhibitors: 1,200
• Participating Countries: 95
• First-time Participating Countries: 7 (Kosovo, Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and Cuba).
• Events and Activities: 1,500+
• Participating Figures and Luminaries: 380+
• Participating Educational Institutions: 37
• Participating Government and Semi-Governmental Entities: 25+
• Fair Theme: ‘Turn the Page, Read the World’
• Official Website: https://adbookfair.com/en/adibf

Core Pillars of the Fair

• An intellectual icon whose enduring legacy is celebrated and reassessed in the context of contemporary and future inquiries.
• A nation or culture highlighted as a key partner in intercultural dialogue and exchange.
• A masterpiece of universal human significance, revisited as a bridge for intercultural understanding and knowledge exchange among nations.
• A prominent figure in Emirati culture and thought whose contributions are converted into enduring cultural assets and knowledge, thereby enriching national memory and preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

Main Themes

• Focus Personality: Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad al-Farahidi
• Guest of Honour: Balkan Culture, in collaboration with the Republic of North Macedonia
• Book of the World: Don Quixote
• Emirati Pioneers: His Excellency Mohammad Al Murr
• Global Culture and Intercultural Dialogue
• Innovation and Future Industries
• Arts and Live Cultural Experiences
• The Fair’s activities align with the United Arab Emirates’ declaration of 2026 as the ‘Year of Family.’
• The market highlighted by the ‘Popular Book Markets’ initiative is the Souq Al Habous in Morocco.

Fair Programmes

• Educational Programme: 100+ sessions
• Cultural Programme: 47+ sessions
• Musical and Arts Programme: 60+ performances and 3 musical evenings
• Professional Programme: 30+ sessions
• Children and Youth Programme: 1,000+ activities
• Youth Programme: 30+ sessions
• World’s Cuisines: 25+ live cooking demonstrations

Highlights and New Initiatives

• Inauguration of the Fair with a ceremony featuring a theatrical performance
• Daily evening drone shows
• ‘My Story World’ Initiative: A flagship innovative project at ADIBF 2026, combining artificial intelligence, literature, and interactive technologies to offer visitors an unprecedented creative experience.
• Launch of the ‘Emirati Pioneers’ initiative: A national annual initiative dedicated to documenting the pioneering contributions of Emirati cultural and intellectual icons. It transforms personal legacies into documented knowledge and sustainable cultural content, safeguarding national memory and preserving Emirati cultural achievements for future generations.
• The Fair hosts the award ceremony honouring the winners of the 20th edition of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award
• Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026 in Schools and Homes Competition
• Over 30,000 participating students in the competition, which is being held for the fourth consecutive year, reflecting sustained growth and the high quality and diversity of the submissions.
• The competition highlights the Fair’s main themes: Focus Personality, Book of the World, Guest of Honour, and the Year of Family.
• Submissions are distinguished by their diversity and creativity, with active participation from parents and the community, thereby reinforcing the connection of new generations with books and promoting a culture of reading, creativity, and cultural interaction within educational and family environments.

Why does the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair Matters

• An international platform for the publishing industry.
• A bridge between Arab and global cultures.
• A platform for promoting reading and knowledge.
• A space for supporting authors, publishers, and emerging talent.
• A catalyst for cultural dialogue and creative industries.
• A platform reflecting Abu Dhabi’s status as a global hub for culture and knowledge.