ADIBF 2025 Showcases Diverse Programme To Promote Sustainable Reading During Year Of Community

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) is hosting its 34th edition from 26th April to 5th May. This event showcases a wide array of cultural activities, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's cultural vision. Over 2,000 events are planned, catering to diverse interests and age groups. The fair coincides with the UAE's Year of Community initiative, promoting sustainable reading practices.

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has launched a campaign themed "Knowledge Illuminates Our Community." This initiative aims to promote the Arabic language and foster a culture of reading. It highlights reading as essential for community development and social cohesion. The campaign seeks to empower youth by enhancing their proficiency in Arabic, which is vital for preserving heritage and shared values.

Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the ALC and Director of ADIBF, emphasised the fair's alignment with this campaign. He noted that this connection enhances the fair's significance and supports the sustainable reading initiative's goals. Al Tunaiji stated that this year’s fair includes over 1,400 exhibitors from more than 90 countries, speaking over 60 languages.

This year's fair sees participation from 120 new exhibitors, marking an 18 percent growth rate. Publishers from 20 countries are attending for the first time, spanning four continents and representing over 25 languages. ADIBF 2025 features 28 international pavilions, along with contributions from local and international government entities.

The event also includes participation from author-publishers, universities, and initiatives supporting the publishing sector. In total, there are 87 local and international government entities involved. The fair aims to support the Year of Community by translating its values into practical outcomes through various initiatives.

Extensive Cultural Programme

As part of the sustainable reading campaign, the ALC will host more than 2,000 cultural events at ADIBF. These include around 1,700 creative activities designed to cultivate a lasting culture of reading within the community. The programme targets different community groups to nurture talents and potential through mastery of the Arabic language.

The ADIBF continues to be a significant platform for cultural exchange and intellectual engagement. By aligning with national initiatives like the Year of Community, it underscores its role in promoting literature and cultural dialogue globally while supporting local identity through language preservation.

With inputs from WAM