The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) has set the dates for the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) until 2030, in a strategic move to ensure the Fair’s sustainability and highlight the importance of planning ahead for the Centre’s key events, to enable international exhibitors and publishers to participate and have ample time to prepare, while cementing ADIBF’s status as a leading cultural event on the global stage.

The announcement of the Fair’s future dates, along with the decision to extend the event to 10 days starting next year, reflects the Centre’s commitment to promoting coordination and collaboration with other book fairs in the region and across the Arab World. This will help avoid scheduling conflicts, increase attendance, and demonstrate the ADIBF management’s ability to plan future events and programmes, ensuring continued success and excellence.

According to the agenda announced by the Centre, the 34th edition of the Fair will be held from 26 April to 5 May 2025, followed by the 35th edition from 25 April to 4 May 2026, the 36th from 24 April to 3 May 2027, the 37th from 22 April to 1 May 2028, the 38th from 28 April to 7 May 2029, and the 39th edition from 27 April to 6 May 2030.

ALC Chairman, His Excellency Dr Ali bin Tamim, said: "Announcing the dates of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair in advance is an initiative that that aligns with the global standing of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and its leading role in promoting the presence of the Arabic language in the creative and cultural industries, as well as supporting cultural and civilisational convergence and exchange among nations".

His Excellency added: "This measure is in line with the trends of governance, transparency, sustainability, and other principles of work observed in the UAE and its capital, Abu Dhabi. It aims to maximise the benefits of the distinctive initiatives offered by ADIBF, most notably the Guest of Honour programme, which hosts a country each year to showcase its civilisational, cultural, intellectual and artistic model; the Focus Personality, which celebrates a prominent figure in global culture; and the Book of the World programme, which highlights a book that has had a profound impact on the course of human civilisation, allowing everyone to contribute and engage with these important initiatives".

"ADIBF, which enjoys the attention and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has succeeded in becoming the leading model for Arab book fairs. It has spearheaded a transformation that extends not only to the titles on display, but also to the intellectual, cultural, and entertainment content, reshaping the concept of Arab book fairs to bring them closer to the community and making them one of the key tools for development", HE Bin Tamim added.

On the same note, HE Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the ALC and Director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, noted that setting the Fair’s dates until 2030 aligns with the Centre and the Fair’s holistic vision for integrating cultural events across the region and promoting a culture of reading and aligns with the ALC’s objectives.

HE Al Tunaiji continued: "Announcing the Fair’s dates in advance allows for better coordination among various local, regional, and international events, avoiding overlaps and providing greater opportunities for these events to succeed in spreading culture and promoting reading in the community". He reaffirmed ALC’s commitment to these dates and to participating in cultural events and fairs across the region, sharing valuable experiences in the culture and publishing industries, and advancing the presence of the Arabic language. His Excellency also noted the Fair’s dedication to showcasing the ALC’s publications and reaching the widest audience of readers.

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair leads the publishing and creative industries sector with its comprehensive cultural and intellectual programme, featuring specialised global conferences that enhance communication among professionals in the publishing industry, explore innovative solutions to the challenges facing modern publishing, cultural and intellectual debates, along with a distinguished professional programme.

The Fair’s popular podcast programmes have garnered global attention, expanding the role of book fairs to become cultural incubators and a platform where civilisations meet and creative pioneers gather. ADIBF presents a pioneering cultural model that connects past and present, and looks towards the future, reinforcing sustainability in the knowledge, culture, and all related industries.