Al Ain Book Festival 2025 Launches Tomorrow With Over 200 Events Celebrating Arabic Literature

The Al Ain Book Festival 2025, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will commence tomorrow at Al Ain Square – Hazza bin Zayed Stadium and other cultural venues in the city. Running from 24 to 30 November, the event is organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi.

This year's festival will feature over 220 publishers and exhibitors, presenting more than 100,000 titles. The programme includes over 200 events such as literary sessions, cultural dialogues, performances, heritage activities, and children's programmes. These initiatives align with ALC's goal to promote the Arabic language and encourage reading among Emiratis.

New interactive initiatives are set to enhance this year's festival experience. Highlights include Flavourful Nights at Al Ain Square – Hazza bin Zayed Stadium and 'On the Path of Knowledge, We Gather', organised with Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club. These activities aim to blend culture with health, encouraging community participation.

The festival also introduces an expanded "Educational Roadshow" initiative targeting schools and universities across Al Ain. This aims to familiarise students with the festival's mission of fostering a society rich in knowledge and avid readers.

Qasr Al Muwaiji will host 'Poetry Nights: The Sung Word' over eight evenings. This event honours three notable figures in Emirati folk poetry: the late Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Dr Hazza bin Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Hamad bin Suhail Al Ketbi. Their contributions have been pivotal in preserving national poetic traditions.

Youth talent is celebrated through 'Poets of the Future' evening alongside 'Poetry and Society' sessions. Institutions across Al Ain will hold discussions on national heritage, identity, and youth empowerment.

Educational Programme for All Ages

The Educational Programme offers a variety of scientific activities, contests, art workshops for children and families, along with events for People of Determination. These initiatives aim to engage diverse audiences in educational pursuits during the festival.

A special ceremony will honour Kanz Al Jeel Award winners for their contributions to poetry and literature. This award celebrates efforts to enhance aesthetic values in contemporary Emirati literature while showcasing national poems creatively.

With its comprehensive agenda, the festival continues to reinforce its role as a platform celebrating literary creativity in Al Ain. It remains committed to embedding knowledge into daily life while supporting cultural movements within Abu Dhabi.

With inputs from WAM