Frankfurt:The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), a part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, is participating in the 78th Frankfurt Book Fair from October 7th to 11th, 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, the ALC's involvement in the fair includes a wide-ranging program aimed at enhancing the global presence of Emirati and Arab literature. The Centre seeks to expand international partnerships in translation, publishing, and intellectual property rights, develop library systems, support digital transformation in knowledge services, and celebrate its 'Kalima to the World' project.
In celebration of the first anniversary of the 'Kalima to the World' initiative, the ALC will announce 14 new translation and co-publishing partnerships at a reception in its pavilion. Collaborations with 10 local and international publishing houses and cultural institutions will be highlighted, intending to introduce Emirati and Arab literature to global audiences.
The ALC's new projects will translate and publish Emirati and Arab works, including novels and children's literature, into seven languages: English, Hindi, Urdu, Portuguese, Spanish, Greek, and Macedonian. This aims to strengthen the presence of Emirati and Arab literature in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, with partners from countries such as Greece, the UK, Brazil, Pakistan, India, North Macedonia, and the UAE.
Additionally, the Centre will host an international discussion titled 'Translations: Open Windows onto the Worlds of Others', focusing on the 'Kalima Project for Translation' and its success in bringing global knowledge to Arab readers. The discussion will explore the future of translation and its role in expanding literature's global reach, especially in light of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.
The Frankfurt Book Fair's main stage will feature the session 'Melodies of Paradise: Arabic Poetry in German', as part of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award (SZBA) program. It will include Stefan Weidner, winner of the SZBA 2026 in the 'Arab Culture in Other Languages' category. Another seminar, 'Human Ingenuity and the Art of Creating Unforgettable Characters', will feature novelist Ashraf Elashmawy, SZBA 2026 Literature category winner, with simultaneous interpretation provided.
The SZBA will also showcase books translated under the Translation Grant, which has facilitated the translation of over 50 books into 12 languages since 2018. This initiative supports translating award-winning literary works beyond the Arab region.
The ALC's agenda at the fair also encompasses professional networking, including a day at the Korean Pavilion to strengthen relations with Asian publishers. Furthermore, a business matchmaking program for Arab and Filipino publishers is organized in collaboration with the National Book Development Board of the Philippines.
The Centre will explore modern technological solutions and innovative library services through visits to participating publishing houses and cultural institutions. Specialized sessions on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and library management will further enhance the exchange of expertise and insights into best practices.
The ALC will hold over 50 meetings with international publishers to discuss opportunities in publishing, translation, content exchange, and copyright. The program includes introducing the book 'Vision, Change and Excellence: The United Arab Emirates Between Tradition and Innovation', a German-language publication that showcases the UAE's development.
A lecture on artificial intelligence and the future of book fairs underscores the ALC's commitment to staying abreast of trends in the publishing sector and cultural industries.