Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026 opens at ADNEC

The 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair commenced at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi on Sunday, themed "Let's turn the page and read the world." This event, spanning until September 18, unites 95 nations, including Qatar, represented by its Ministry of Culture. The Ministry exhibits a selection of publications illustrating Qatar's cultural essence, presenting a vital platform to exhibit Qatari cultural production and contemporary publications, fostering new prospects for collaboration with Gulf and Arab cultural institutions, according to Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain, Director of the Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture and Director of the Doha International Book Fair.

This participation is a result of the Ministry's involvement in significant Arab and international cultural exhibitions, aiming to showcase Qatari cultural heritage, initiatives, and publications, as well as to strengthen cultural engagement with various cultural entities, institutions, publishing houses, and participants in the fair, Al Buainain emphasized.

Al Buainain affirmed that such participation underscores the Ministry's commitment to supporting the book and publishing industry, encouraging Qatari writers and innovators to reach a broader audience. He highlighted the importance of international book fairs in facilitating communication among publishers, authors, and readers, offering a chance to experience a blend of literary and intellectual encounters.

Al Buainain explained that the fair serves as a premier cultural platform, uniting prominent writers, publishers, and intellectuals, providing a space for dialogue and idea exchange. Its cultural program includes panel discussions, lectures, and workshops, enriching the cultural landscape and celebrating books and the publishing industry.

Al Buainain stressed that the Ministry maintains its presence in cultural events abroad to foster cultural camaraderie with allied and friendly nations, as well as cooperation and expertise sharing, while projecting homegrown cultural products as part of Qatar's civilizational and humanitarian presence. The new edition of the fair features Balkan Culture as its Guest of Honor, in collaboration with the Republic of North Macedonia, and honors Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi as its Focus Personality and Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote as its Book of the World.