The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is expanding its international reach this year, with seven countries set to take part for the first time when the fair returns for its 35th edition.
Kosovo, Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and Cuba will join the event, which is organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and runs from September 13 to 18, 2026.
Their debut participation adds new perspectives to a fair that has increasingly positioned itself as a meeting place for publishers, writers, and cultural institutions from around the world. The new countries are also expected to create opportunities for further exchange in areas such as literature, ideas, and translation.
95 Countries to Take Part
This year’s edition will bring exhibitors from 95 countries to Abu Dhabi under the theme “Let’s Turn the Page and Read the World.”
The international line-up reflects the fair’s continued expansion and its wider role within Abu Dhabi’s cultural strategy. Beyond showcasing books and publishing, the event is intended to encourage knowledge sharing and connections among cultural communities.
The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre sees the fair as part of a broader effort to support translation and create stronger links between different literary and intellectual traditions.
Building Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Profile
The growing number of participating countries also aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader focus on culture and knowledge as part of its development strategy.
For the organisers, ADIBF is becoming more than an annual publishing event. Its ambitions include creating a place where cultural organisations can exchange expertise, develop partnerships, and explore opportunities for the creative industries.
The fair also aims to provide a space for dialogue among different countries and civilisations, with international participation playing an important role in that goal.
With seven countries making their ADIBF debut in 2026, the upcoming edition will add another layer to the fair’s international programme while marking the event’s 35th anniversary in Abu Dhabi.
