Al ain: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan has inaugurated the 16th edition of the Al Ain Book Festival. The festival, organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) under the theme "All Eyes on Al Ain," will run until 30th November at Al Ain Square and several key venues across the city.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan toured the festival site and reviewed cultural programs and events hosted this year, as well as the latest publications presented by local and Arab publishing houses. Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi); Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi; Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of ALC; and Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of ALC.
He listened to a presentation on new initiatives launched to enhance the festival's role in developing cultural activity and supporting the book industry. He also met publishers and writers and listened to their perspectives on challenges facing the sector in light of digital transformations, as well as opportunities to expand the reach of Arabic content and strengthen its presence in global markets.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak stated that the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan for Al Ain Book Festival 2025 reflects Abu Dhabi's leadership's commitment to culture as a cornerstone of national development and community cohesion. He added that the festival is a key driver of cultural tourism and the creative economy in the Al Ain Region, aligning with the objectives of the Year of Community 2025.
Dr. Ali bin Tamim emphasized that the festival is a key platform for strengthening the Arabic language as a pillar of national identity and for empowering new generations to participate confidently in global cultural conversations. He noted that the festival has established itself as a hub for meaningful cultural dialogue and a showcase for Emirati authors and publishers.
This year's festival aims to further establish Al Ain Region as a hub that brings literature, art, and intellectual discourse together, reflecting the city's spirit and history. The agenda features more than 200 cultural, artistic, and educational events, with over 220 publishers and exhibitors participating. The festival's diverse program includes 28 cultural sessions, 54 theatrical performances, and more than 100 workshops covering literature, art, and science.
The Poetry Nights: The Sung Word program at Qasr Al Muwaiji celebrates Al Ain Region's poetic heritage over eight evenings, featuring more than 30 poets. The Cultural Programme features sessions addressing social issues, national heritage, youth empowerment, and intergenerational communication.
New to this year's festival are the Flavourful Nights at Al Ain Square - Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, featuring live cooking demonstrations of Emirati cuisine. The Educational Programme offers scientific and theatrical activities, entertainment competitions, and reading sessions for children and families. The festival will also honor the winners of the Kanz Al Jeel Award, celebrating literary creativity in the UAE.
The Al Ain Book Festival 2025 showcases Arab and global culture, promotes arts and intellectual exchange, and brings the community together, reaffirming Abu Dhabi's leadership in the cultural landscape.