Abu Dhabi Organises 17th Al Ain Book Festival

Under the patronage of Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is organising the 17th Al Ain Book Festival. Part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the event takes place in Al Ain Square from 17-23 November 2026. Held under the theme "An Oasis of Stories," this year's edition features 230 exhibitors and more than 200 cultural, literary, artistic, and entertainment activities for the community.

The festival highlights the region's cultural heritage and promotes the presence of the Arabic language and reading in everyday life. It offers shared cultural experiences to strengthen family bonds and connections between generations, aligning with the objectives of the Year of Family. The programme spans eight main pillars, including Identity and Culture, Youth and the Future, Childhood and Family, Connected Communities, Poetry Nights: The Sung Word, Voice of Al Ain – Podcast from Abu Dhabi, The Next Chapter, and Flavourful Nights.

Activities extend to several prominent venues, such as Qasr Al Muwaiji, Majalis Abu Dhabi, and local schools and universities. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, stated that the festival reflects the enduring value of books and the written word in shaping heritage, engaging with new ideas, and imagining the future. Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, added that the event strengthens its position as a cultural and knowledge platform celebrating the Arabic language.

The 17th Al Ain Book Festival promotes reading and Emirati heritage through diverse cultural and family activities.

## Poetry, Podcasts and Exhibitions

The festival features 90 events under the Childhood and Family pillar, alongside the fifth edition of Poetry Nights: The Sung Word, which is dedicated to Emirati Sung Poetry and celebrates 20 pioneers of Emirati Nabati poetry. The Youth and the Future pillar engages young people with knowledge, digital experiences, and entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, the newly launched Voice of Al Ain podcast features 14 events documenting oral history through conversations with authors and creators. Qasr Al Muwaiji will also host a ceremony to honour the winners of the Kanz Al Jeel Award for Nabati poetry.

Why it matters

The festival reinforces the presence of the Arabic language and enhances its role in the cultural and creative landscape by supporting local talent, writers, and publishers. By organizing events across multiple educational and cultural venues, the initiative encourages reading as an everyday practice and preserves local heritage for future generations.