Al Ain Book Festival brings together art, culture, and learning at the 2025 edition in Al Ain. The Al Ain Book Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and runs until 30 November at Al Ain Square and other key locations in the city. It features more than 200 activities and over 220 publishers from across the UAE. The event is themed “Al Ain Is Wider for You Than Home”.
The week-long festival offers something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy cultural talks, poetry evenings, theatre shows, music events, and hands-on workshops. Children also get special attention with 90 workshops in the Children’s Corner. People of Determination are supported through dedicated sessions designed for their needs.
At Qasr Al Muwaiji, Poetry Nights: The Sung Word highlights local heritage. More than 30 poets perform over eight evenings with music and traditional themes. The event also introduces Min ‘Ashana, where visitors can watch live Emirati cooking demonstrations at Al Ain Square.
The festival supports Al Ain’s growing role as a cultural and tourism hub. In the first half of 2025, hotels received 228,000 guests, a 12% rise from 2024. Cultural sites such as Al Ain Oasis, Qasr Al Muwaiji, and Qattara Arts Centre also saw visitor growth between 40% and 49%.
These developments align with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030. The plan aims to increase visitor numbers from 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million by 2030. It focuses on culture, recreation, and adventure. These pillars help promote Al Ain’s heritage, natural beauty, and unique attractions.
The festival continues to strengthen the city’s cultural identity and brings the community together through shared experiences.
