The 16th edition of the Al Ain Book Festival is now under way, bringing a diverse blend of art, literature, science and culture to venues across the city. Running until 30 November, the festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre under the theme “Al Ain Is Wider for You Than Home.”
This year’s programme features more than 200 events and activities, with over 220 publishers and exhibitors participating. Visitors can expect cultural talks, poetry evenings, theatre shows, musical performances and hands-on workshops designed for all ages.
The festival places a special focus on young readers and People of Determination, offering 90 workshops within the Children’s Corner alongside three dedicated sessions tailored to inclusive engagement.
One of the festival’s highlights is Poetry Nights: The Sung Word at Qasr Al Muwaiji. Over eight evenings, more than 30 poets take the stage, blending spoken word, heritage and live music to celebrate the emirate’s literary traditions. Meanwhile, Min ‘Ashana brings authentic Emirati cuisine to life at Al Ain Square through live cooking demonstrations that showcase the richness of local flavours.
The event comes amid rising interest in Al Ain as a cultural and tourism hub. Hotels recorded 228,000 guests in the first half of 2025, marking a 12 percent increase from the previous year. Key heritage sites such as Al Ain Oasis, Qasr Al Muwaiji and Qattara Arts Centre also saw visitor numbers jump by 40 to 49 percent.
These achievements support the wider goals of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to boost annual visitor numbers from 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million by 2030. The strategy is built around three pillars:
Culture: Preserving and showcasing the depth of Emirati heritage.
Recreation: Offering serene, nature-focused experiences across Al Ain’s landscapes.
Adventure: Expanding indoor and outdoor activities for residents and tourists.
Together, these pillars guide Al Ain’s ongoing development as a sustainable, welcoming and culturally rich destination with experiences that appeal to local communities and international visitors alike.
