Arabic Language Centre Showcases Knowledge Initiatives At Cairo International Book Fair 2026

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is taking part in the 57th Cairo International Book Fair, held from 21st January to 3rd February 2026. The participation showcases cultural, professional and knowledge projects, while underlining efforts to strengthen Arabic, support translation and encourage regional creative industries.

The Cairo International Book Fair, launched in 1969, is among the Middle East’s largest cultural gatherings. Organisers expect around two million visitors. This edition brings together 1,457 publishing houses from 83 countries, confirming the fair as a central platform for the regional book sector.

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is presenting more than 525 book titles at the Cairo International Book Fair. The selection includes 105 new releases from programmes such as the Kalima Translation Project, Esdarat and the Basaer research series, covering varied knowledge areas and works related to the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is running a cultural programme at the Cairo International Book Fair that brings together Emirati and Arab thinkers. Discussions address central literary and cultural questions and outline the Centre’s main projects and awards, including how cultural work contributes to nation building across different Arab experiences.

One key session at the Cairo International Book Fair, titled Cultural work as a foundation for nation building, explores the influence of culture on social development. Another part of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre schedule features a book signing and discussion of The Artificial Womb… A World Beyond Human Reproduction, which examines possible future human transformations.

Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and Cairo International Book Fair industry engagement

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is also highlighting major awards during the Cairo International Book Fair. A Kanz Al Jeel Award session looks at visual arts inspired by the poetry of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, while a Sard Al Thahab Award session focuses on unpublished short stories by emerging voices.

Another Cairo International Book Fair session from the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre marks twenty years of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. The discussion reviews the award’s global cultural influence, including its support for authors, translators and publishers, and its contribution to international recognition of Arabic writing and scholarship.

On the professional side, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is hosting a forum on Arab digital publishing during the Cairo International Book Fair. The event focuses on expanding the worldwide presence of Arabic digital content through cooperation with global publishing groups and technology companies active in digital platforms and distribution.

Alongside these activities, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is using the Cairo International Book Fair to promote the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair’s programmes. Representatives are meeting book fair directors, publishers’ associations, writers, researchers, media professionals and technology specialists to share expertise and encourage leading industry figures to join the 2026 edition in Abu Dhabi.

Across its Cairo International Book Fair participation, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre reinforces ongoing work to develop Arabic language studies, translation projects and creative sectors. The presence links cultural stakeholders from Egypt, the UAE and wider regions, underlining the fair’s role as a shared space for knowledge exchange and publishing cooperation.

With inputs from WAM