The highly anticipated Al Ain Book Festival 2025 is set to commence on Monday, November 24, at Al Ain Square – Hazza bin Zayed Stadium and various cultural venues across the city. Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the festival will run until November 30, offering a weeklong celebration of literature, culture, and creativity. This year’s edition boasts participation from over 220 publishers and exhibitors, showcasing more than 100,000 titles, aligning with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s (ALC) mission to promote the Arabic language and foster Emirati talent. The festival’s diverse programme includes over 200 events, ranging from literary discussions and cultural dialogues to performances, heritage activities, and children’s programmes. Highlights include the fourth edition of ‘Poetry Nights: The Sung Word’ at Qasr Al Muwaiji, honouring three legendary Emirati poets, and the introduction of new initiatives like ‘Flavourful Nights’ and ‘On the Path of Knowledge, We Gather’. The festival also features an Educational Programme with scientific, theatrical, and artistic activities for children and families, as well as an expanded ‘Educational Roadshow’ targeting schools and universities. A special ceremony will celebrate the winners of the Kanz Al Jeel Award, recognising their contributions to Emirati literature. Organised by ALC under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the festival aims to solidify Al Ain’s reputation as a national hub for literary and cultural exchange.
