Al Ain, United Arab Emirates – Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan opened the 16th Al Ain Book Festival.
Organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, affiliated with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, under the slogan “The eye is wider for you than the house.”
The events will continue until November 30, 2025, in Al Ain Square and a number of key locations in the Al Ain area.
In its new session, the festival continues its journey aimed at establishing the Al Ain region as a platform that brings together literature, thought and art in harmony that expresses the spirit of the region and its history.
Its diverse activities embody the vision of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to enhance the status of the Arabic language, preserve national identity, and support young Emirati talents.
Through more than 200 cultural, artistic and educational events, figures from symbols of culture, poetry and art participate, in cooperation with prominent educational institutions in the country.
Along with more than 220 publishers and exhibitors.
Busy agenda
The festival offers a busy agenda extending over the course of a week targeting all segments of society.
It includes cultural sessions, poetry evenings, theatrical and musical performances, and interactive workshops.
In addition to artistic and educational programs that celebrate knowledge at its finest.
The events range from 28 cultural sessions, 54 theatrical performances, and more than 100 workshops in the fields of literature, art, and science.
Among them are 90 workshops in the children’s corner and three workshops dedicated to people with disabilities, emphasizing the comprehensiveness of the festival and its role in building a society in which creativity meets in its various forms.
The cultural programme, which is held in cooperation with government institutions and community councils in Al Ain, offers dialogue sessions that discuss community issues, national heritage, youth empowerment, and enhancing communication between generations.
This is done through dialogue sessions that bring together senior citizens with their rich experiences with creative youth, in an open space to exchange visions and consolidate the values of responsibility and giving.
For the first time, the festival launches the “For Us” program in Al Ain Square – Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.
To add a new dimension to the cultural experience through live cooking demonstrations that highlight the richness and diversity of Emirati cuisine.
Through the participation of local talents who present daily evening meals and dinner in an interactive atmosphere that enhances the spirit of innovation and communication with the community.
At the festival’s main site, the educational program hosts scientific and theatrical activities, entertainment competitions, and reading sessions dedicated to children and families.
While the Generation Alpha Corner offers workshops combining art, science, technology and literature for children and young people.
In addition to launching the “On the Path of Science” initiative in a number of schools and universities to spread the festival’s message of supporting education and culture among new generations.
