Abu Dhabi International Book Fair: 35 years of sharing knowledge
Thirty-five years have passed since the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair was first launched at the Cultural Foundation, evolving today into one of the leading cultural and knowledge platforms on the international book-fair map. Its journey has reflected the transformation of the UAE’s cultural landscape, kept pace with the development of the publishing and book industries, and cemented the…
In 1981, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair made its debut at the Cultural Foundation under the name "Islamic Book Fair" during the reign of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The inaugural edition attracted 50 publishers, signaling the start of a cultural phenomenon that would evolve from a local gathering to an international platform.
By 1986, the fair was renamed the "Abu Dhabi Book Fair," with the number of participating publishers increasing to 70. In 1993, the fair transitioned into an annual event, welcoming more diverse participants from the Arab and international publishing sectors. Over the years, the fair experienced significant growth, with participant numbers rising from around 50 in 1981 to around 1,500 in 2024, and increasing the number of participating countries from just one to 90.
The fair's central figure, Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad Al-Farahidi, was celebrated in 2024, while its theme, "Turn the Page and Read the World," represented the UAE's role in fostering global knowledge and understanding.
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