Al ain: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, the Al Ain Book Festival 2025 launches tomorrow at Al Ain Square – Hazza bin Zayed Stadium and several cultural venues across the city, offering a weeklong program from 24 to 30 November.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Festival is organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). It aims to enhance Al Ain’s status as a national hub for literary creativity and knowledge exchange. This year’s edition features participation from more than 220 publishers and exhibitors, showcasing over 100,000 titles. The program includes over 200 events such as literary and knowledge sessions, cultural dialogues, performances, heritage-focused activities, and children’s programs.
Qasr Al Muwaiji will host the fourth edition of ‘Poetry Nights: The Sung Word’ over eight evenings, featuring leading Emirati and Gulf poets. The program will honor three figures of Emirati folk poetry: the late Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the late Sheikh Dr Hazza bin Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the late Hamad bin Suhail Al Ketbi, for their contributions to preserving national poetic memory.
The Festival also includes the ‘Poets of the Future’ evening and the ‘Poetry and Society’ session to champion young talent. Various institutions and community majalis across Al Ain will organize sessions on national heritage, identity, and youth empowerment.
New highlights this year include interactive initiatives like Flavourful Nights at Al Ain Square and ‘On the Path of Knowledge, We Gather’, organized in collaboration with Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club. These activities aim to encourage community engagement with culture and health.
The agenda also features the Educational Programme, offering scientific and theatrical activities, contests, and art workshops for children and families, along with dedicated events for People of Determination. The “Educational Roadshow” initiative is expanded to schools and universities citywide, introducing students to the Festival’s mission.
With this edition, the Al Ain Book Festival continues to honor literary creativity. A special ceremony will celebrate the winners of the Kanz Al Jeel Award, recognizing their contributions to the poetic and literary landscape, and reinforcing aesthetic values in contemporary Emirati literature.