Speaking at the Beijing International Book Fair, His Excellency Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) and Director of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), affirmed that book fairs serve as prominent cultural platforms reflecting the pivotal role of knowledge in nation-building and in fostering intercultural dialogue.
Relations between the UAE and the People’s Republic of China are rooted in a solid historical legacy and a growing strategic partnership, His Excellency added, noting that they embody a shared vision to deepen human connections and cultural exchange between the two countries.
H.E. Al Tunaiji made his remarks during a panel discussion held at the UAE national pavilion at the fair – which was named ‘Al Bait Al Emirati’ (The Emirati Home) – under the title ‘Abu Dhabi and Beijing International Bookfairs: Regional Impact and International Role’. The panel also featured Lei Jianhua, Director of the Beijing International Book Fair; and Zhang Xin, International Copyright and Cultural Exchange Specialist, and Chinese Participation Coordinator for the ADIBF.
His Excellency expressed his pride at the selection of the UAE as Guest of Honour for the 32nd Beijing International Book Fair, affirming that this distinction reflects the advanced standing that the Emirates has established for itself on the global cultural stage. He highlighted the nation's remarkable development, cultural achievements, and active role in enriching the international cultural scene, which, in turn, further strengthens its intellectual and human presence.
During the session, H.E. Al Tunaiji began by stressing the important and active role that book fairs and, therefore, knowledge play in nation-building. He affirmed that the ADIBF has succeeded, since its inception, in establishing itself among the most prominent cultural events in the region and the world, adding that this helps to promote the UAE’s vision of culture as a pillar of development and a language for cultural dialogue with various nations.
“The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair serves as an annual platform to drive community development and promote values of openness and dialogue,” His Excellency said. “It has created a vast space for professionals in the publishing, translation, and authorship sectors, enabling them to exchange ideas and expertise while providing various avenues to advance their projects. It has also kept pace with technological transformations, leveraging them to elevate knowledge and intellectual creativity.”
“The fair strives to support publishing activities,” H.E. Al Tunaiji remarked. “To that end, it has launched the ‘Spotlight on Rights’ grant, which has deepened cooperation with Arab and international publishers and facilitated the publication of more than 1,387 books across a range of knowledge fields through 191 publishers. These efforts have enriched the Arabic library with translations of global works and expanded the reach of Arabic content.”
Regarding the fair’s impact on translation, His Excellency said: “Every year, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair enriches the Arabic library with books from around the world and across various fields of knowledge, translated into Arabic through the Kalima Project for Translation. This pioneering regional project has translated more than 1,400 books from 24 languages in 10 different knowledge fields.”
“The project was further strengthened by the launch of the ‘From Kalima to the World’ initiative, announced during the ALC’s participation in the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair,” he added. “The initiative aims to translate select works, such as valuable classics and contemporary publications in Emirati and Arab literature into major world languages. He also mentioned the launch of the Digital Arabic Library, in collaboration with Amazon, to bolster Arabic content in the digital space.”
H.E. Al Tunaiji highlighted China’s active and impactful participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, noting that the number of participants from China has grown significantly, culminating in China’s selection as Guest of Honour for the fair’s 2017 edition.
“The fair has welcomed more than 300 Chinese authors and literary figures, including seven recipients of prestigious awards,” he revealed. “Furthermore, over 190 publishing houses have taken part in the fair, along with more than 200 publishers, writers, and officials. Over 1,000 books have been showcased, with 120 cultural and artistic events organised, reflecting the high regard in which Chinese culture is held. The fair has also contributed to the launch of more than 100 Chinese titles translated into Arabic, along with dozens of books translated between Arabic and Chinese in a wide range of fields.”
Concluding his remarks, H.E. Al Tunaiji affirmed that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair remains committed to implementing the vision of the UAE and its wise leadership, which aims to build human capacity, anchored in science and knowledge as essential pillars for comprehensive community development. The fair also provides a space for cultures and nations to come together in harmony and mutual understanding.
