Page 93 - MBRF PR REPORT - JUNE 2025

6/18/25, 10:15 AM Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025 celebrates knowledge and bridges cultures

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Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) concluded its 34th edition
successfully. Running for 10 consecutive days for the first time in its history from 26 April to 5 May 2025, the fair welcomed around 400,000
visitors who explored more than half a million titles across all areas of knowledge.

The fair established a new tradition by announcing Indonesia as the Guest of Honour for the 2026 edition, demonstrating its commitment to
best practices adopted by major international cultural events.

Held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi under the theme, Knowledge Illuminates Our Community, the event reflected the ambitious vision to
position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for culture, publishing, and knowledge. The fair also reinforced its own standing as one of the most
prominent local and regional cultural events, recording a 65 per cent increase in sales compared to the previous year indicating its success in
promoting reading and supporting the publishing industry.

With 1,400 exhibitors from 96 countries speaking more than 60 languages, the fair attracted a wide audience of all ages and community
groups. This aligns with the UAE Year of Community, asserting Abu Dhabi’s status as a thriving centre for civilisational, cultural, and intellectual
exchange.
His Excellency Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said: “The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is a significant platform for knowledge
sharing and creativity. This year’s edition charted a roadmap for the future with a scientific approach, and presented a comprehensive cultural
vision. The 34th edition offered a programme focused on dialogue and critical thinking, addressing contemporary global issues such as artificial
intelligence, digital transformation, sustainability, environmental protection, and heritage preservation.”

The 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair stood out for its organisation, international participation, public engagement, and the calibre of its
speakers, including renowned intellectuals, academics, writers, and artists. The Fair attracted more than 450 speakers and participants, including
notable figures such as Iraqi-born former British politician His Excellency Nadhim Zahawi; integrative medicine pioneer Dr Deepak Chopra;
novelist Conn Iggulden; actors Hussein Fahmy and Mena Massoud; jewellery designer Azza Fahmy; and author Khaled Ghattas, drawing large
and passionate audiences.

The fair’s comprehensive programme and high-quality initiatives also achieved great success. For example, the On the Path of Knowledge
initiative brought speakers to schools and universities, increasing student engagement and participation in the fair while raising a new
generation of avid readers and knowledge enthusiasts. Student participation notably increased from the 2024 edition, with more than 64,000
students visiting the event.
The first-of-its-kind Author-Publisher initiative formed part of the fair’s vision to support the social role of culture by targeting creative authors.
Meanwhile, the 100 Stories from Our Community initiative showcases creative talent among UAE residents as part of the broader Community
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