The 35th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) will be held in September, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has announced.
Originally scheduled to take place from April 11 to 20, 2026, the event has been postponed to September 13–18, 2026. The decision followed extensive consultations with international partners, participating publishers and relevant authorities, during which operational and logistical factors were assessed, including irregular air travel in the region and the participation of international guests.
The ALC said the move aligns with global best practices in managing major cultural events, prioritising quality, organisational efficiency and sustained international participation.
The postponement also includes the awards ceremony for the 20th edition of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. Meanwhile, the 34th edition of the fair in 2025 drew 1,400 exhibitors from 96 countries, underscoring its global cultural reach
