His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, has visited the 16th edition of the Al Ain Book Festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, and organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. The festival runs until 30 November under the theme For You, Al Ain Is Wider Than Home.

During the visit, His Excellency toured participating publishing houses and cultural pavilions, reviewing their latest releases and initiatives that enrich the cultural landscape of Al Ain Region, strengthen the presence of the Arabic language, and promote reading across the community.

His Excellency affirmed that the UAE’s commitment to books and culture is a deeply rooted principle established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who made knowledge and reading fundamental pillars of development and progress. His Excellency noted that the United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, continues to advance this cultural vision by supporting literary and intellectual initiatives, fostering an environment that encourages creativity and consolidates the UAE’s position as a global hub for knowledge and cultural production.

His Excellency stated that the Al Ain Book Festival reflects the leadership’s vision of making culture an integral part of community life and a foundation for shaping future generations based on knowledge, creativity, and tolerance. His Excellency also praised the festival’s rich and diverse programme of events, activities, interactive sessions, and workshops, highlighting its role as a primary cultural event in the national cultural landscape and emphasising Al Ain Region’s contribution to supporting culture and knowledge.

The festival features more than 100,000 book titles across various fields, presented by over 220 publishers and exhibitors. The programme includes bestselling and newly released titles, with opportunities for visitors to meet participating authors, creators, and artists.

As the Gulf Tourism Capital 2025, Al Ain Region is hosting the festival across multiple historical and cultural locations, offering visitors an experience that blends reading, culture, and the arts. The festival serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas and creativity, reflecting the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre’s commitment to innovation and to enriching the cultural landscape of the United Arab Emirates.