Photo Credit : WAM
The theme of the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF 2026), “Turn the Page and Read the World,” highlights the importance of culture and knowledge at a time of major global transformation.
“Turn the Page” represents the move towards a new chapter shaped by learning, reflection and continuous renewal. It also reflects changes in how knowledge is created and how people engage with reading, publishing and creative expression.
The second part of the theme, “Read the World,” expands the meaning of reading beyond books. It encourages people to explore different ideas, cultures, human experiences, and scientific and technological developments.
The message underlines the role of dialogue and cultural exchange in helping societies understand change and contribute to shaping the future. It also presents knowledge as a shared language that can connect people across geographical and linguistic boundaries.
Over the past 35 years, ADIBF has developed from a specialised publishing event into an international platform bringing together culture, education, technology, diplomacy and the creative economy. The participation of representatives from 95 countries and the organisation of nearly 1,500 events reflect the fair’s growing global reach and contribution to cultural dialogue.
The theme also supports the UAE’s designation of 2026 as the “Year of Family.” It presents reading as a social value that can strengthen families, build a more connected society and equip younger generations with critical thinking skills and a broader understanding of the world.
ADIBF 2026 has selected renowned scholar Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi as its Focus Personality, recognising his foundational contributions to Arabic language studies and linguistics. Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote” has been chosen as the Book of the World, celebrating one of the most influential works in global literature.
Together, these selections demonstrate how Arabic intellectual heritage and world literature can meet within a shared cultural space. They also reinforce the idea that knowledge develops when diverse traditions, perspectives and experiences come together.
Through “Turn the Page and Read the World,” ADIBF 2026 reflects the UAE’s vision of culture as a source of soft power, books as instruments of dialogue and knowledge as a foundation for sustainable progress and human development.
