Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, tours the Al Ain Book Festival on November 25, 2025. WAM

The Al Ain Book Festival 2025 is now open for its 16th edition, welcoming readers, authors, and publishers to one of the UAE’s most anticipated cultural events. Running until November 30 under the theme “For You, Al Ain Is Wider Than Home,” the festival offers an expansive programme across multiple historical and cultural sites in the city. The festival is happening in Al Ain Square-Hazza bin Zayed Stadium. This year’s festival features more than 100,000 book titles in various fields, with over 220 publishers and exhibitors showcasing bestselling works, new releases, and opportunities for readers to engage directly with authors, creators, and artists. The event highlights Al Ain’s designation as the Gulf Tourism Capital 2025, providing visitors with a rich cultural programme that blends literature, arts, and heritage. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, toured the festival during his visit on Tuesday (November 25). The event is held under the patronage of Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region, and organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. During his tour, Sheikh Nahyan visited several publishing houses and cultural pavilions, reviewing their latest literary contributions and initiatives that aim to strengthen the role of the Arabic language and encourage reading in the community. He emphasised that the UAE’s dedication to books and culture stems from the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who regarded knowledge as the foundation of national development. “The UAE continues to advance this cultural vision under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” Sheikh Nahyan said, noting that literary and intellectual initiatives today help build a creative, knowledge-driven society. He commended the festival’s diverse programme of interactive sessions, workshops, and cultural activities, describing it as a key pillar in shaping future generations based on creativity, tolerance, and the love of knowledge. He also highlighted Al Ain’s growing role as a cultural hub within the national and regional landscape. ICA/Expat Media
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