Abu Dhabi: Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) is set to take place from 26 April to 5 May 2025 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) under the theme “Knowledge Illuminates Our Community,” the event is poised to attract a diverse array of participants and audiences.
According to Emirates News Agency, this year’s fair will welcome 1,400 exhibitors from 96 countries and feature a comprehensive program of 2,000 activities. These activities aim to engage readers, thinkers, publishers, and content creators, thereby reinforcing the event’s status as a global platform for cultural dialogue. It underscores Abu Dhabi’s role as a leading international hub for knowledge and creative exchange, aligning with the UAE’s strategic vision to invest in culture and promote intercultural dialogue.
The 2025 edition will pay tribute to the polymath Ibn Sina as its Focus Personality, celebrating the 1,000-year anniversary of his influential work, The Canon of Medicine. This seminal book significantly contributed to the advancement of medicine globally. The fair will offer panel discussions and interactive exhibits that highlight Ibn Sina’s enduring legacy and his impact on human civilization.
In addition, ADIBF 2025 will honor One Thousand and One Nights as the Book of the World, recognizing its timeless and cross-cultural influence. The fair will also spotlight the Culture of the Caribbean Basin as this year’s Guest of Honour. This initiative highlights the UAE’s commitment to fostering global cultural partnerships and enriching knowledge experiences.
The event will draw prominent writers, thinkers, publishers, and content creators who will participate in a range of activities under five broad themes: Society, Fantasy, Sustainability, Arab Sciences, and Artificial Intelligence and Innovation. The fair aims to meet audience aspirations while promoting Abu Dhabi’s cultural offerings on an international scale.
Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, emphasized the fair’s role in positioning Abu Dhabi as a world-class destination for creativity and thought. He highlighted the importance of celebrating Arab heritage and cultural links between East and West, citing the selection of Caribbean countries as Guest of Honour as a testament to cultural dialogue.
This year’s fair will also introduce Poetry Nights, combining classical and Nabati poetry through literary debates, and continue the Podcast from Abu Dhabi series. The inaugural conference, Digitising Creativity, will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and the arts, focusing on emerging technologies in content creation.
Visitors can expect a rich cultural and artistic journey with activities ranging from cooking to cinema and photography. The Black Box Cinema will feature Arabic short films, and live concerts and workshops will offer diverse cultural experiences. Children and youth will be engaged through interactive spaces celebrating the Arabic language, with educational workshops and youth programs designed to develop skills and cultural connections.
The Guest of Honour Pavilion will showcase literature, arts, and music, while the Book Signing Corner and the Under the Ghaf’s Shade experience will provide interactive literary opportunities. The Business Lounge will promote collaboration among publishers and content creators.
The Professional Programme seeks to support publishing and creative industries by embracing AI and digital technologies, enhancing sustainability, and facilitating dialogue among cultural stakeholders. It aims to highlight contributions from public and private institutions to cultural life, enriching visitors’ experiences and strengthening global literary community ties.
In support of the Arabic language, the ADIBF will launch initiatives to promote reading and creativity, aligning with the UAE’s strategy and Abu Dhabi’s cultural vision to nurture emerging literary talent and enrich the Arabic library.