Your guide to Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025: Events, discussions, notable participants

23 Apr 2025 00:14
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) takes place from April 26 to May 5 at ADNEC Centre.This year's edition features more than 2,000 cultural events designed to engage all age groups and cater to a wide range of intellectual, artistic and cultural interests.Coinciding with the launch of the first phase of a community campaign to promote sustainable reading, the fair aligns with the UAE's declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community.The campaign, initiated by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), is held under the theme 'Knowledge Illuminates Our Community', and supports the Centre's ongoing mission to elevate the Arabic language and embed a culture of reading across society.This year, more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 90 countries will be participating, and 120 exhibitors taking part for the first time.The fair will also welcome publishers from 20 countries, spanning four continents and representing more than 25 languages. ADIBF 2025 will include 28 international pavilions, 87 local and international government entities, 13 author-publishers, 15 universities and 8 initiatives dedicated to supporting the publishing sector.The ALC will host over 2,000 cultural events, including 1,700 creative activities aimed at fostering a lasting culture of reading across the community.Events and SessionsVisitors will be able to attend informative and stimulating talks daily at ADIBF 2025, which will host the sessions in 6 different halls.The discussion programme will include topics including education, culture and world cuisine, led by well-known experts and academics. Sink your teeth into talks such as: The Art of Mastering Emirati Cuisine: Towards Professionalism, Recognition, and Sustainability, with Chef Muna Almansoori; The 50 Most Important Novels of the 21st Century; From Scheherazade to the World: The Narrative Power of One Thousand and One Nights; Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb's Vision: Renewing Islamic Jurisprudence and Advancing Peaceful Coexistence; and From Dreams to Reality: The UAE's Journey into Space.Podcast from Abu DhabiThe third edition of the 'Podcast from Abu Dhabi' programme will be held as part of the fair and will feature more than 50 of the world's top podcasters to present more than 50 different topics. Over 20 content creators will be making their debut at the show.The programme's thoughtful discussions will highlight the diversity and creativity of the Arab cultural landscape, building on the success and popularity of the programme's first two seasons.Podcast from Abu Dhabi covers a wide range of topics, including literature, poetry, art, technology, youth, society, children, social development, games, and entertainment, among many others. The topics cater to the audience's passion for knowledge, offering a platform for constructive cultural debate. Each episode spotlights a different experience that combines education and entertainment.The talks blends heritage and modernity, creating a space for intellectual and artistic conversation, which enhances the role of podcasts as a cultural platform that helps to promote knowledge and build an engaged, intellectually driven society.This year's notable participants include podcasters 'Mics' from Saudi Arabia and 'El Podcasters' from Egypt, alongside platforms such as 'Edraak' and 'Samawah', and other podcasts including 'Paper Samwich' and 'The Arab Youth Podcast', among others.Podcasts remain hugely popular among listeners. Together, the creators participating in the Podcast from Abu Dhabi programme have 7.5 million followers on TikTok, 4.2 million on YouTube, and 4.5 million on Instagram.
For tickets and other information, visit www.adbookfair.com.

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