The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has announced the postponement of the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, originally scheduled for April 11-20, 2026, to the new dates of September 13-18, 2026. The decision to postpone follows extensive consultations with the fair's international partners, participating publishers, and relevant local authorities. These consultations assessed operational and logistical factors, including irregular air travel in the region and the participation of international guests, to ensure the event's quality and optimal representation. The Center confirms that this decision aligns with global best practices for managing major cultural events, prioritizing the quality of the experience, organizational efficiency, and sustained international participation. The postponement also affects the awards ceremony, which was set to honor the winners of the 20th Sheikh Zayed Book Award during the fair. The 34th edition of the fair, organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center in 2025, was a resounding success, bringing together 1,400 exhibitors from 96 countries and affirming the fair's ability to attract leading publishers and prominent global cultural voices.
