Abu Dhabi Book Fair 2026 programme to spotlight Don Quixote and eighth-century Arab scholar Al Farahidi
The 1605 novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, the life and work of eighth-century Arab polymath Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi, and the careers of pioneering Egyptian painter Inji Aflatoun and singer Mohammed Abdel Wahab will be among the subjects explored at this year’s Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Taking place from September 13 to 18 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the 35th…
The 35th edition of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair kicks off on September 13, running through September 18 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. This year's fair aims to highlight the works of renowned authors, scholars, and artists. Among the subjects to be explored is Miguel de Cervantes's 17th-century novel Don Quixote, considered a foundational work of the modern novel.
The fair will delve into Cervantes's influence on fiction and the Arab world's reception of the novel through a series of events, including Cervantes and the Birth of the Modern Novel on September 14 and How the Arab World Read Don Quixote on September 16. Another key figure featured at the fair is the eighth-century Arab polymath Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi, who established Arabic lexicography and prosody.
Al Farahidi will serve as the fair's Focus Personality, with events such as Al Khalil Al Farahidi and the First Arabic Dictionary on September 14 and Al Farahidi and the Music of Arabic Poetry on September 16. Additionally, the fair will celebrate the 20th Sheikh Zayed Book Award, which will be held during the event, with Egyptian novelist Ashraf Elashmawy and Moroccan researcher Mustapha Rajouane receiving recognition for their literary contributions.
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