Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre Showcases Arabic Literature At The 77th Frankfurt Book Fair

The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), under the Department of Culture and Tourism–Abu Dhabi, is attending the 77th Frankfurt Book Fair from 15th to 19th October 2025. This event is a significant cultural and publishing gathering worldwide. The ALC's participation aims to boost the global prominence of the Arabic language, establish Abu Dhabi as a cultural hub, and build strategic alliances with international publishing entities.

Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, emphasised that their involvement highlights efforts to present Arab literature globally. He noted that it underscores Abu Dhabi's key role in translation, publishing, and cultural dialogue. "The Fair provides an opportunity to discuss global publishing trends and challenges amid rapid digital transformation," he stated.

During the event, the ALC will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Arabookverse. This agreement, witnessed by Juergen Boos, President and CEO of the Frankfurt Book Fair, will launch the Digital Arabic Library project. This initiative aims to enhance access to Arabic content for global audiences while aligning with digital advancements in publishing.

The ALC will also host an official reception for publishers and decision-makers. This event will showcase its cultural initiatives, grants, and programmes supporting the publishing industry. These include those featured at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

The Centre’s cultural programme includes a panel on 17th October titled Comics in the Arab World: From the Margins to the Forefront. German illustrator Katharina Grossmann-Hensel and children’s publishing expert Meri Melkonian will participate. The session will explore Arabic comics' evolution and challenges like limited distribution while considering digital platforms for wider reach.

Another discussion titled How Do Emirati and German Youth Read? is scheduled for 19th October at the Frankfurt International Stage. Participants include Julia Balog, Emirati researcher Moza Jassim, with journalist Saeed Saeed moderating. The panel will examine youth reading habits, technology's impact, and cultural initiatives fostering reading.

Sheikh Zayed Book Award Sessions

The ALC pavilion will feature two sessions related to the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. On 17th October, The Classics Today: New Horizons in Arabic Literature will include Beatrice Gründler, Hakan Özkan, Maurice Pomerantz, and Stefan Weidner. On 18th October, author Hoda Barakat will discuss her award-winning novel Hind or the Most Beautiful Woman in the World with journalist Lena Bopp.

This year's Frankfurt Book Fair has chosen the Philippines as Guest of Honour. It expects over 4,300 exhibitors from 92 countries. The event offers extensive collaboration opportunities across publishing, cinema, and creative industries.

Through these engagements at the fair, ALC aims to build partnerships with publishers from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. They also seek collaboration with digital and audio publishing platforms while supporting translation initiatives and rights exchange for a sustainable international presence of Arabic literature.

With inputs from WAM