Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) 2026, organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), has finalised the Educational Programme for its 35th edition. The programme turns reading into a lived experience that creates wide open spaces for children and young adults to explore, express themselves, and create.
According to Emirates News Agency, the programme places youth at the heart of the cultural and intellectual experience through an integrated series of sessions and workshops held throughout the Fair, which is set to take place from 13 to 18 September 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. It aligns with the UAE's strategic directions during the 'Year of Family', offering experiences that bring together children, young adults, families, and educational institutions in a shared cultural space that fosters a lasting relationship with books, language, and knowledge.
The Al Farahidi Stage, named after the ADIBF 2026 Focus Personality, will host most of the Educational Programme's events. These events include celebrating young literary talent, exploring the history of Arab knowledge, transforming heritage into contemporary stories, and reintroducing the Arabic language through interactive approaches. The Programme opens with 'Young Authors' Book Launch at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair', organised by Learner Circle, celebrating the creativity of more than 150 authors aged between 7 and 16.
The Programme will also explore literature's ability to re-present memory and heritage in a session titled 'From Pearls to Portals: The Pearl Diver's Daughter and the Cowrie Necklace'. The discussion features Emirati author and illustrator Maitha Al Khayat, who is the first Emirati nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award.
Maitha Al Khayat will present a session titled 'What Is the Story Telling Us?' offering an opportunity to interact with stories, developing imagination and expression skills. The Educational Programme continues with knowledge sessions and lectures, including 'The Eight Series: Cities of Knowledge', highlighting the historical role of Arab cities and universities in producing knowledge.
The programme also offers the interactive narrative experience 'Maya's Stories', enriching children's knowledge through stories inspired by the region's culture and heritage. The agenda includes 'The Arabic Language Friends Challenge', focusing on developing reading skills and strengthening confidence in using Arabic in daily life.
The Programme presents 'Where Is My Story in Young Adult Books?', inviting young adults to explore themes in young adult literature, featuring Emirati author Maryam AlZarooni. The educational experiences continue with 'The Stories of Maya and Grace', by children's author Nawal Benzawia, exploring children's literature's role in developing imagination and creativity.
The Educational Programme concludes with 'Make the Story Your Own', presented by Dr. Hamda Al Blooshi, inviting children to write a new ending to a story, enhancing their writing and creative thinking skills. The ADIBF 2026 Educational Programme reflects a vision that positions books as a starting point for learning and creativity, embodying the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre's commitment to supporting the Arabic language.
The Programme includes collaborations with cultural museums, featuring interactive storytelling sessions that connect children and families with knowledge and culture. These partnerships include sessions organised in collaboration with the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum.
The 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair offers performances and interactive activities for children and families, combining entertainment, learning, and creativity. Activities include workshops and interactive sessions in collaboration with the Emirates Literature Foundation, providing participants with inspiring experiences in creative writing and expression.
The activities on the agenda will host writers, artists, and specialists, allowing participants to engage with them directly in an educational environment that combines learning and enjoyment. This year's edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair brings together exhibitors from 95 countries, alongside writers, thinkers, and academics, with a programme of 1,500 events distributed across three main pillars: global culture and civilisational dialogue, innovation and the creation of the future, and the arts and live cultural experiences.