Abu Dhabi: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, the Al Ain Book Festival will take place from November November 24 to 30 ,2025 at Al Ain Square – Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.
The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) will organize the 16th edition, highlighting the city’s cultural and literary spirit. The event has presented a rich program that includes literature, poetry, and creativity across multiple venues, such as Qasr Al Muwaiji and several educational institutions.
The 2025 edition has recorded a 10 percent increase in exhibitors, welcoming 220 participants, including 18 percent first-time participants, underscoring the festival’s growing reach and appeal.
The expansion demonstrates the festival’s goal to strengthen Al Ain’s position as a hub for cultural dialogue and creative exchange. It also reflects the ALC’s efforts to build a platform that connects publishers, authors, and readers, while supporting the creative industries.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, stated that, “Al Ain Book Festival plays a vital role in supporting the publishing industry and nurturing local and regional talent. The festival’s continued influence and prestige is reflected by the substantial increase in new publishers joining this vibrant platform for the upcoming edition.”
His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of ALC, noted that, “With each edition, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening Al Ain Book Festival’s status as a permanent platform for cultural creativity and direct interaction between publishers, authors and readers.”
The Al Ain Book Festival supports Emirati authors and young talent, celebrating local creativity while promoting communication between writers and readers. Its activities reflect Al Ain’s cultural heritage and family values, with a focus on promoting reading as a way of life.
The event also safeguards Emirati culture through special initiatives such as Poetry Nights – The Sung Word, which honors traditional folk poetry as a vital expression of national identity. These creative events act as a bridge between heritage and modernity, transmitting cultural values to younger generations.
As part of its annual tradition, the ALC will host a ceremony at Qasr Al Muwaiji to honor the winners of the Kanz Al Jeel Award. The award, established in 2021, celebrates folk poetry and its role in reflecting community sentiment. The fourth edition will recognize achievements in six categories, including Poetry Matching, Arts, Studies and Research, Poetic Publications, Translation, and Creative Personality.
Through its diverse initiatives, the Al Ain Book Festival continues to strengthen Al Ain’s cultural identity and its connection to the Arabic language, reaffirming the city’s place as a vital center for literature and creativity in the UAE.
DON’T MISS | DEWA backs Mind Empowerment initiative for People of Determination
