Under the patronage of Hazza bin Zayed/Mohamed bin Hamdan bin Zayed opens the 16th session of the Al Ain Book Festival

Al Ain, 25 November / WAM / Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan opened the Al Ain Book Festival in its 16th session, organized by the Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language, affiliated with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, under the slogan “The eye is wider than your home,” and its activities will continue until November 30, 2025, in Al Ain Square, and a number of major locations in the Al Ain area.

During his tour, His Excellency was briefed on the most prominent cultural programs and events hosted by the festival this year, and the publications offered by local and Arab publishing houses.

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan was accompanied on his tour by His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Saud Abdul Aziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, President of the Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language, and His Excellency Saeed Hamdan Al Taniji, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Center for the Arabic Language.

His Excellency listened to a detailed presentation about the new initiatives that enhance the festival’s role in developing the cultural movement and supporting the book industry. He met with a number of participating publishers and writers, and learned about their visions regarding the challenges and opportunities facing the sector in light of the rapid digital transformations, and the prospects it opens for expanding the spread of Arabic content and strengthening its position in global markets.

His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak said that the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region, for the Al Ain Book Festival embodies the commitment of our wise leadership to establishing culture as a basic pillar of development and strengthening national identity and community cohesion.

He stressed that the festival is a major driver of the creative economy and cultural tourism in the Al Ain region, in line with the objectives of the (Year of Community 2025) campaign, by involving intellectuals, writers, creators and members of the local community, pointing out that such events enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as a cultural capital that embraces creativity and encourages innovation, to ensure the sustainability of culture as a living and shared part of our daily lives.

For his part, His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim said that the Al Ain Book Festival enhances the presence of the Arabic language within the fabric of national identity, and enables new generations to play their role in the global civilizational dialogue, empowered with a solid knowledge of their language, values, and ancient heritage traditions.

He added that in its session this year, the festival continues to dedicate its presence as a prominent model in how to draw inspiration from the Emirati heritage, attract various segments of society, and strengthen their relationship with reading and books in an environment rich in arts, music, and an interactive atmosphere that encourages creativity and innovation.

His Excellency explained that the festival celebrates Emirati writers and writers, and embraces the creative environment and cultural heritage extending to the Al Ain region, thus consolidating its qualitative presence as a cultural, heritage and tourism region, especially with the growing prosperity that the UAE is witnessing in the publishing industry thanks to the continuous support of the wise leadership, and the keenness of cultural institutions to provide an incubating environment for publishers and authors.

He said that the Al Ain Book Festival comes to enhance the movement by empowering Emirati publishing houses, highlighting their literary and knowledge production, and providing a platform for interaction between them and readers, creators and interested people from inside and outside the country, which contributes to developing the local publishing industry and linking it to its cultural contexts, and supports the journey of the Emirati book in reaching the Arab and international reader.

In its new session, the festival continues its journey aimed at establishing the Al Ain region as a platform that brings together literature, thought and art in harmony that expresses the spirit of the region and its history.

Its various activities embody the vision of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in enhancing the status of the Arabic language, preserving national identity, and supporting young Emirati talents, through more than 200 cultural, artistic and educational events, in which personalities from symbols of culture, poetry and art participate, in cooperation with prominent educational institutions in the country, along with more than 220 publishers and exhibitors.

The festival presents a busy agenda that extends over the course of a week targeting all segments of society, and includes cultural sessions, poetry evenings, theatrical and musical performances, and interactive workshops, in addition to artistic and educational programs that celebrate knowledge in its finest forms.

The activities vary between 28 cultural sessions, 54 theatrical performances, and more than 100 workshops in the fields of literature, art and science, including 90 workshops in the children’s corner and three workshops dedicated to people of determination, emphasizing the comprehensiveness of the festival and its role in building a society in which creativity meets its various forms.

At Al Muwaiji Palace, the “Nights of Poetry: The Sung Word” program, in its fourth session, sheds light on the popular poetic heritage of the Al Ain region, through eight evenings in which more than 30 poets participate, drawing inspiration from the spirit of authenticity and generosity in poems that express deep Emirati values, in line with the declaration of the year 2025 as the “Year of Community,” where authenticity and creativity converge in an atmosphere filled with poetry, music, and nostalgia.

As for the cultural program, which is held in cooperation with government institutions and community councils in Al Ain, it offers dialogue sessions that discuss issues of society and national heritage, empowering youth, and enhancing communication between generations, through dialogue sessions that bring together senior citizens with their rich experiences with creative youth, in an open space to exchange visions and consolidate the values ​​of responsibility and giving.

For the first time, the festival launches the “For Us” program in Al Ain Square – Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, adding a new dimension to the cultural experience through live cooking shows that highlight the richness and diversity of Emirati cuisine, through the participation of local talents offering daily evening farewells and dinner in an interactive atmosphere that enhances the spirit of innovation and communication with the community.

At the main site of the festival, the educational program includes scientific and theatrical activities, entertainment competitions, and reading sessions dedicated to children and families, while the Generation Alpha corner offers workshops that combine art, science, technology, and literature for children and young people, in addition to launching the “On the Path of Science” initiative in a number of schools and universities to spread the festival’s message of supporting education and culture among new generations.

The launch of the festival witnessed a ceremony honoring the winners of the “Generation Treasure” Award, celebrating their contributions to enriching the poetic and literary scene in the UAE and consolidating aesthetic values ​​in contemporary literature.

Al Ain Book Festival 2025 represents a renewed window through which the Al Ain region overlooks Arab and international culture, and a platform that expresses the convergence of thought, art and society. It continues its journey in making the Arabic language a bridge between the past and the future, confirming the position of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the regional and global cultural scene.

• For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter