Qatar Joins 95 Countries at 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

The 35th edition of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) has begun at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), where 95 countries featuring exhibitors, publishers, authors and cultural delegations are showing their products.

The celebrating event will be the landmark edition of September 13 to 18, 2026, with the theme of “Turn the Page, Read the World.” The function is hosted by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi’s Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC).

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ADIBF Strengthens Global Cultural Exchange

The 35th edition further solidifies Abu Dhabi’s status as a vital global venue for literature, publishing and cultural exchange. Qatar’s inclusion enhances the already vibrant GCC presence and extends the scope of cooperation on creative and intellectual exchange.

The fair enables international counterparts from publishers and cultural institutions to meet, and is an invitation to discuss literature, copyright, knowledge and modern publishing.

Around 1,500 Events Across the Fair

Some 1,500 cultural, educational and creative events will be held at this year’s ADIBF, providing attendees with a wide-ranging programme of events on literature, technology, arts and family activities.

The programme runs around three key themes. The first centre is on dialogue and global culture where Balkans are the Guest of Honour. The second discusses innovation, artificial intelligence and digital publishing, among other things.

The third focuses on arts and live cultural events, which include workshops, children’s education activities and theatrical performance.

Qatar’s Role in GCC Cultural Dialogue

This participation follows the Gulf region’s commitment to enhance cultural cooperation and protect the publishing and literary sides in the Middle East.

An ADIBF connects with various events that offer an opportunity to the GCC institutions to promote their national literary traditions and interact with the global publishing sector. They also provide opportunities for sharing and peer learning in the broader creative economy.

Celebrating Al-Khalil and Global Literature

The cultural programme of the fair also sets an agenda to highlight the significant literary and intellectual personalities. Al-Khalil (ibn Ahmad Al-Farahidi) is chosen as Focus Personality for his contribution to Arabic language and scholarship.

At the same time, Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote is being identified as the Book of the World, hence that of the international literature programme.

Why does ADIBF matter for the region?

The celebration of the 35th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair sets a splendid example of how the regional publishing communities can reach their global audiences with major cultural events.

For the GCC nation Qatar, the fair is also a valuable cultural diplomacy and publishing partnership event and an opportunity to merge cultures and ideas. Its mix of literature and technological cultural program is also reflective of the ways the publishing industry is changing.

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