The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) is participating in the 32nd Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF), where the UAE is the Guest of Honour, As part of a national delegation organised jointly by the Ministry of Culture and the UAE Embassy in Beijing. The delegation includes 20 government and cultural entities, and 100 publishing houses.
The Centre is presenting a diverse cultural programme at the UAE national pavilion at the fair, named ‘Al Bait Al Emirati’ (The Emirati Home), which is prominently located at the fair. Taking place from 17 to 21 June 2026 at the China National Convention Centre (CNCC) in Beijing, the programme showcases the vitality of the UAE’s cultural landscape while strengthening the presence of the Arabic language and literature on the international stage.
By participating in the fair, which brings together 2,600 publishers from 100 countries, the ALC aims to highlight its flagship initiatives that support the cultural and intellectual sectors, most notably the Kalima Project for Translation and the Esdarat project for Arabic publishing.
The Centre will also highlight its efforts in linguistic studies, digitisation of books, and content creation, while introducing Asian audiences to the achievements of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) and the Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA). Through its activities at the fair, the Centre seeks to strengthen cooperation with leading Chinese institutions in the publishing and translation sectors.
His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said: “We are proud that the UAE has been selected as the Guest of Honour at the Beijing International Book Fair, a prestigious international cultural event. This recognition reflects the UAE’s distinguished cultural standing at both the regional and international levels, while underscoring the depth and strength of its strategic and cultural ties with China.”
“The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre is committed to participating in this prominent event as part of its efforts to strengthen the global presence of the Arabic language and open new avenues for partnership and collaboration with cultural institutions and organisations around the world,” H.E. bin Tamim added. He noted that the Centre’s participation features a high-calibre programme designed to strengthen the international standing of the Arabic language, with a particular focus on developing partnerships in publishing, translation, language education, and content creation.
“These efforts contribute to deeper cultural exchange between the two countries and support broader engagement across Asia and beyond,” His Excellency continued. “This, in turn, reflects the dynamism and growing momentum of the UAE’s cultural sector, which celebrates the richness of Arab culture, as well as the UAE’s authentic national identity and profound heritage.”
The cultural programme organised by the ALC features a series of panel discussions and cultural forums that celebrate Emirati and Arab culture, emphasising its authenticity and rich heritage. The programme also includes sessions that showcase the Centre’s flagship initiatives and projects, while presenting the forthcoming edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, which marks its 20th anniversary this year.
Additionally, the programme features conferences and forums designed to strengthen cultural ties between the UAE and China, reflecting the ALC’s commitment to promoting the Arabic language and enhancing its global presence, while fostering cooperation and knowledge exchange with cultures and civilisations around the world. These efforts align with the strategic vision of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, reinforcing its position as a leading hub for culture and knowledge both regionally and internationally.
The programme also highlights the Centre’s efforts to promote the Arabic language, strengthen its global presence, and foster cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange with various cultures around the world. These efforts are closely aligned with the strategic vision of the UAE and its capital, Abu Dhabi.
A key event in the programme is the Conference on the Future of UAE-China Cultural Relations. The opening session will feature H.E. Hussain Al Hammadi, Ambassador of the UAE to China; H.E. Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC; Chang Bo, Editor-in-Chief at the China International Communications Group (CICG); and Zhao Lijun, Editor-in-Chief of China Today magazine.
The Conference continues with a panel discussion featuring H.E. Dr Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives; H.E. Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the ALC and Director of the ADIBF; H.E. Abdullah Butti Al Qubaisi, Executive Director of the Heritage Awareness and Knowledge Sector at Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority; Yan Wei, Vice Dean at the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies in China’s Northwest University; Professor Qi Qigang, Professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Beijing Language and Culture University; and Xiang Zuoyuan, Director of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Division at the Nanjing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.
The Centre is also hosting a launch and discussion for the book ‘The Governance of China’ by Chinese President Xi Jinping, featuring H.E. Dr Ali bin Tamim; Guang Le Zheng, President of Xinhua Publishing House; Guo Bin Sheng, Editor-in-Chief of Liaowang Magazine, Xinhua News Agency; Dr Ahmad Elsaid, Founder and CEO of Bayt Alhekma Cultural Group; and Ren Weidong, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Xinhua News Agency.
The programme also includes a session dedicated to launching the Arabic edition of the book ‘Shanghai: Six Thousand Years – A Journey of an Inclusive Civilisation’, which traces the historical and cultural evolution of Shanghai as a commercial, industrial, and cultural hub, as well as a centre for innovation and technology. Speakers include H.E. Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji; Chen Aiwang, Chief Executive Officer at Oriental Book Centre Publishing House; Liu Peiying, Deputy Editor-in-Chief at the Oriental Book Centre Publishing House; and Tao Beng Zhou Yun, President of China Today magazine (Middle East).
A special session will be held to mark the launch the Arabic edition of China’s People’s Literature magazine, with H.E. Dr. Ali bin Tamim in attendance, along with Prof. Xue Qingguo, translator of Arabic literature in China and reviewer for the magazine; Xu Zichen, Editor‑in‑Chief of People’s Literature magazine; Dr Ahmed Elsaid of Bayt Alhekma, and Dr. Yasser Mohammed Zamzam, Marketing and Communications Department Director at ALC.
The session titled ‘Fifteen Years of UAE-China Cultural Partnership in the Publishing Industry’ will examine prospects for future collaboration and the Centre’s efforts to strengthen partnerships within the publishing industry. Speakers include H.E. Dr Ali bin Tamim; Zhao Lijun, Editor-in-Chief of China Today magazine; and Ayesha Eid Al Mazrouei, Book Fairs & Events Department Director at ALC.
A further session, titled ‘Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre Literary Awards: A Platform for Arab-Chinese Convergence’, will highlight the Centre’s major cultural initiatives, the richness and diversity of Emirati creative and literary output, and the various dimensions of cultural and intellectual exchange. The session will also address the Centre’s role in enhancing cultural cooperation with China, documenting its outcomes, and positioning Abu Dhabi’s fairs and awards into cultural platforms that attract global participation. Speakers include H.E. Dr Ali bin Tamim; Professor Luo Lin, Dean of the School of Foreign Languages and Cultures (Institute of Area Studies) at Beijing Language and Culture University; and Eman Turki, Editorial Project Manager at ALC.
The Centre will also hold a session titled ‘Abu Dhabi and Beijing International Bookfairs: Regional Impact and International Role’, featuring H.E. Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji; Lei Jianhua, Director of the Beijing International Book Fair; and Zhang Xin, International Copyright and Cultural Exchange Specialist, Chinese Participation Coordinator for the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
Ayesha Eid Al Mazrouei, Director of Book Fairs and Events Department at ALC, will also take part in the ‘Future of Publishing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Conference’, where she will deliver the Centre’s address and highlight its efforts to keep pace with digital transformation and developments in publishing and artificial intelligence.
Established in 1986, the Beijing International Book Fair attracts thousands of publishing houses from many countries around the world each year. Through its participation in the current edition, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre aims to showcase the UAE’s rich cultural heritage, highlight the nation’s pioneering achievements and development, and present distinguished Emirati authors and publishers.
The Centre will also hold meetings with leading Chinese and international writers, intellectuals, and publishers to explore the latest developments in the publishing industry, emerging technologies sector, and rights marketing opportunities.
The ALC will further conduct field visits to art and heritage exhibitions, museums, and leading cultural, educational, and academic institutions, in addition to signing new cultural agreements that support the presence of the Arabic language and cultural heritage in China.
