The 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair runs from 13 to 18 September 2026 at ADNEC.
This year’s theme is ‘Turn the Page, Read the World’, with around 1,500 events planned.
Exhibitors from 95 countries will join international authors, academics and cultural figures.
The cultural event returns to ADNEC under the theme ‘Turn the Page, Read the World’.
Abu Dhabi’s cultural calendar is turning a new page. The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is returning for its 35th edition, bringing authors, publishers, academics and literary enthusiasts together in the UAE capital.
Taking place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 13 to 18 September 2026, the latest edition will run under the theme ‘Turn the Page, Read the World’. The event continues its long-standing role as an international meeting point for publishing, literature and cultural exchange, while providing readers with opportunities to discover new books, ideas and voices from around the globe.
This year’s programme will feature approximately 1,500 events, with activities designed to complement the UAE’s Year of Family. Publishers and exhibitors from 95 countries will take part alongside international writers, thinkers and academics, creating a programme that puts reading, education and cultural dialogue at its heart.
The programme has been organised around three main areas: global culture and civilisational dialogue, innovation and the creation of the future, and arts and live cultural experiences. Together, the strands aim to explore the role books and creativity can play in connecting communities and encouraging lifelong learning.
International culture will also come into focus through the fair’s Guest of Honour programme. The Balkans will take centre stage for the 35th edition, bringing the region’s diverse literary and cultural traditions to Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, Miguel de Cervantes’ literary classic Don Quixote has been selected as the Book of the World, highlighting a work whose influence has crossed languages, cultures and generations.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “For 35 years, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has helped shape a vibrant cultural ecosystem where ideas are exchanged, creativity is nurtured, and literature enriches everyday life. As we continue to invest in our cultural infrastructure, initiatives such as the fair play an essential role in inspiring new generations of readers, writers and creators, while driving the emirate’s continued social, intellectual and economic development.”
The 2026 edition will also introduce a dedicated opening ceremony for the first time. Combining music, song and theatre, the performance will explore the story of the UAE while drawing inspiration from Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad Al-Farahidi, the influential Arab scholar selected as this year’s Focus Personality.
Where: MEFCC, ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi
When: 13 to 18 September 2026
Contact: https://adbookfair.com