The 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) launched in the UAE capital this weekend, featuring a distinguished group of Arab and international authors, intellectuals, and creatives.
Image credit: Laura Kapfer / Unsplash
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) and under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the fair will run until the 5th of May at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
This year’s fair, held under the theme ‘Knowledge Illuminates Our Community’, is structured around five main themes offering sessions, lectures, special evenings, and workshops. The Cultural Programme aims to promote cultural and intellectual exchange, preserving Arab linguistic and cultural heritage while engaging with world cultures.
Highlights include sessions such as ‘The 50 Most Important Novels of the 21st Century’, featuring Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Dr. Mohamed Abouelfadl Badran, and Dr. Haytham Alhaj Aly. Another key event is ‘Dreams Unveiled: Ancient Arab Interpretations’, where Dr. Bilal Orfali and Ali Al Abdan will explore the historical significance of dream interpretation.
The programme also features ‘The Role of Zayed National Museum in Preserving Maritime Heritage: The Magan Boat project’, with speakers including Emma Thompson, Dr. Eric Staples, and Mai Al Mansoori. Additional discussions include ‘Singing the Classics: 101 Timeless Arabic Poems’ and ‘Stories in Frames: A Celebration of Heritage’, examining Arabic poetry’s influence and the role of short films in cultural preservation.
Social media’s influence on reading habits will be addressed in ‘Content That Connects: Inspiring Generations Through Social Media’, featuring Zaina Khaled and Lana Medawar.
The 2025 Focus Personality is Ibn Sina (Avicenna), with sessions celebrating his contributions to medicine, philosophy, and the bridging of Eastern and Western knowledge. Sessions include ‘Avicenna’s Healing Legacy: From Ancient Texts to Modern Medicine’, ‘Avicenna The Scholar Who United East and West’, and ‘Avicenna’s Legacy: Classical Wisdom in Contemporary Philosophy’.
The Book of the World spotlight will centre on ‘One Thousand and One Nights’, with scholars such as Dr. Abdullah Al Ghathami and Bing Zhu Yun examining its impact across cultures and languages.
For more details on how to attend, visit adbookfair.com
