His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, officially inaugurated the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
The fair runs from April 26 to May 5, 2025 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Under the theme: “Knowledge Society… Society of Knowledge.”
HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed toured the exhibition’s pavilions.
His Highness reviewed major new releases from local and international publishing houses.
He also engaged with publishers, discussing the challenges and opportunities within the sector amid the rapid pace of digital transformation.
Who is the Guest of Honour for Abu Dhabi Book Fair 2025 ?
This year, the fair celebrates “Caribbean Culture” as the Guest of Honour.
It spotlights the renowned scholar Ibn Sina (Avicenna) as a central figure, and highlights “One Thousand and One Nights” as the World Book of the Year.
The exhibition strengthens the concept of comprehensive cultural events.
It is featuring over 2,000 diverse activities.
Including the launch of the Poetry Majlis for the first time and the inaugural Creativity Digitization Conference.
Theme
The exhibition’s theme “Knowledge Society… Society of Knowledge” supports the national announcement by HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, designating 2025 as the “Year of Society” in the UAE.
A record 1,400 publishing houses from 96 countries are participating in this edition.
Reflecting the fair’s growing status as a global platform for publishers, intellectuals, and creators.
As well as a premier venue for launching and promoting new works.
Highlights of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 34th Edition:
- Cultural Vision: Reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for Arab culture and a platform for global intellectual exchange.
- Diverse Programs: Cover topics such as society, fantasy, sustainability, Arab sciences, artificial intelligence, and innovation.
- “Inspire” Program: The core cultural agenda featuring poetry, literature, arts, translation, panel discussions, workshops, and lectures with distinguished thinkers and creators.
- Poetry Majlis: Introduced for the first time, including Nabati poetry, classical Arabic poetry, and musical performances inspired by poems.
- World Book Spotlight: A deep exploration of “One Thousand and One Nights,” linking literature, cinema, and music.
- Podcast Program: The third season of “Podcast from Abu Dhabi” featuring prominent podcasters discussing inspiring topics.
- Professional Development (“Evolve” Program): Enhancing Abu Dhabi’s global position in the publishing industry’s sustainability, with 1,400 publishers expected to foster partnerships.
- Creativity Digitization Conference: Exploring AI’s impact on publishing and creative industries, along with digital transformation strategies.
- “Create” Program: Featuring culinary arts tied to cultural heritage, artistic photography exhibitions, short film screenings, and live music.
- Children and Youth Programs: Through “Learn” and “Explore” initiatives, nurturing Arabic language appreciation and creative expression among younger generations.
- Special Activities: Author meet-and-greets, book signings, reading sessions under the “Under the Ghaf Tree” literary experience.
- Arabic Language Empowerment: Innovative programs encouraging reading and fostering young literary talents to support the growth of modern Arabic literature.
Abu Dhabi Book Fair 2025 – Record Attendance Expected:
The fair is anticipated to draw over 300,000 visitors.
It highlights the success of Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre strategy to expand knowledge engagement, revive the cultural vibrancy of book fairs, and enhance the UAE’s leadership in cultural and publishing innovation on the global stage.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affair
