Abu dhabi: Book fair themes serve as cultural statements that encapsulate the vision of the organizing institution and define the event's place within the international cultural landscape. The theme of the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF 2026), 'Turn the Page and Read the World', carries significance that extends beyond its linguistic form, offering a concise interpretation of the role of culture in an era of profound transformations.
According to Emirates News Agency, the first part of the theme, 'Turn the Page', signifies a shift from one stage to another, grounded in learning, reflection, and continuous renewal. This new page acts as a metaphor for a new phase in the production of knowledge and the development of reading, publishing, and creativity tools.
'Read the World', on the other hand, encourages reading in a broader civilizational context, encompassing ideas, cultures, human experiences, and scientific and technological transformations. This approach strengthens societies' ability to understand change and shape their future through dialogue, cultural exchange, and the notion that knowledge is a shared language unifying nations despite linguistic and geographical differences.
The theme aligns with the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair's evolution over the past 35 years, transforming from a specialized publishing event into a global platform intersecting culture with economy, education, technology, and diplomacy. Its appeal to participants from 95 countries and the organization of nearly 1,500 events reflect its role in enriching cultural dialogue and fostering close knowledge partnerships.
Moreover, the theme gains added significance as the UAE designates 2026 as the 'Year of Family'. It asserts that reading is a social value, foundational for knowledgeable families, a cohesive society, and capable generations equipped with critical thinking skills and global openness. Culture, therefore, becomes a long-term investment in people, the true wealth of any development project.
Selecting the renowned scholar Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi as the fair's Focus Personality and 'Don Quixote' as the Book of the World aligns with this vision. Al Farahidi's contributions to Arabic language and linguistics, combined with 'Don Quixote's' status in world literature, highlight that cultural dialogue is built on complementarity, advancing human knowledge when diverse sources converge.
In this context, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair's theme conveys a cultural message reflecting the UAE's vision for knowledge in the third millennium. 'Turn the Page' signifies readiness for renewal, while 'Read the World' emphasizes understanding and participating in shaping the future. Through these actions, culture becomes soft power, books become dialogue tools, and knowledge forms the foundation for sustainable progress and human development.