Abu Dhabi Book Fair Wraps Up Historic 35th Edition
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF 2026) concluded its historic 35th edition at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, wrapping up a monumental six-day run from 13–18 September 2026. Operating under the theme ‘Turn the Page, Read the World’, the fair solidified its reputation as the premier cultural and publishing hub of the Middle East, drawing an expansive global audience and bridging diverse world traditions through the power of literature.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), a core entity of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the fair successfully moved to its new September timeframe after careful coordination with global publishing partners to ensure maximum worldwide engagement and seamless mobility for international creatives.
This year’s programme was organised around three main themes: global culture and civilisation dialogue, innovation and the creation of the future, and the arts and live cultural experiences. The event featured a massive schedule of approximately 1,500 cultural, intellectual, and artistic activities aligned with the UAE’s ‘Year of the Family’ aspirations.
The fair brought together over 1,200 exhibitors from 95 countries alongside distinguished writers, thinkers, and academics from around the world. Seven nations, including Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Kosovo, Peru, and Venezuela, made their official debut, opening vital new avenues for international intellectual exchange and translation initiatives while underscoring the fair’s evolving role as an active driver of the global knowledge economy. Participating exhibitors at the book fair also offered a 35% discount on their books and publications.
The fair also celebrated the Balkan culture as Guest of Honour, named scholar Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi as its Focus Personality, and honoured Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote as the Book of the World, alongside new book launches and dedicated educational and creative programmes for children and young adults. Another highlight was the launch of ‘Poetry Nights’, a new programme that featured a blend of poetry readings, literary conversations, and critical discussions with some of the Arab world’s most distinguished poets.
A rare miniature Qur’an printed in Glasgow by David Bryce in the late 1890s was a major highlight at the 2026 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Offered by rare book specialist Peter Harrington for £2,750, this historic piece represents the earliest European-printed edition of the Qur’an in miniature format. The iconic artefact features intricate gilt decorations and was originally housed in a metal locket with a magnifying lens, reflecting its historical role as a portable amulet for soldiers and pilgrims.
The 2026 Sheikh Zayed Book Award ceremony honoured this year’s laureates and also highlighted its contribution in supporting authorship, translation, and scholarly research, in line with the fair’s broader role in advancing cultural life.
The successful conclusion of ADIBF 2026 continues to strengthen its position as a global platform for cultural dialogue and a key driver of growth in publishing and creative industries. HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, says, “For 35 years, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has helped shaped a vibrant cultural ecosystem where ideas are exchanged, creativity is nurtured, and literature enriches everyday life. It has grown into one of the region’s leading platforms for cultural exchange, supporting the growth of the global publishing and creative industries while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a centre for culture, knowledge, and innovation.”
