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 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026, scheduled for September 13-18 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, will feature discussions on Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, the eighth-century Arab scholar Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi, and the careers of Egyptian painter Inji Aflatoun and singer Mohammed Abdel Wahab.
The fair, originally set for April 11-20 but postponed, also marks the 20th Sheikh Zayed Book Award ceremony during the event. Al Farahidi, a pioneer in Arabic lexicography and prosody, will be the Focus Personality, with discussions on his contributions to language and poetry. Cervantes's Don Quixote, regarded as a foundational work of the modern novel, will be explored through various events, including its influence on fiction and its reception in the Arab world.
The region of the Balkans will be honored as Guest of Honour, with sessions examining its literary and cultural history. Arabic music will be featured in performances and discussions, with events focusing on the poetry of Egyptian singers Umm Kulthum, Abdel Wahab, and Fairuz. The fair will also explore the impact of artificial intelligence on writing and feature discussions on the works of contemporary authors and their journeys.
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