Love books? Ready for some serious learning? The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is returning to the capital with loads of incredible things to do. The seven-day event is launching on Monday May 23 and goes until Sunday May 29. It has 450 events to participate in and 1,000 exhibitors to see. Get ready for a thick stack of books to take home.
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2022 includes children’s activities, music shows, book signing events, film screenings, talks, artwork and even a gaming section. The awesome event is all about education, so be sure to bring the kids along, too.
The ADIBF runs daily from 9am to 10pm at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). This year, the guest of honour is the Federal Republic of Germany, which will be hosting 14 cultural and vocational sessions.
Ready to hit the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair? Grab a tote and get ready to try these 10 incredible activities.
Buy books
There will be many books on offer to peruse at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Browse through fantasy, sci-fi, comics, history novels and popular science, plus, the best biographical non-fiction. Prepare to go home laden with the top titles and the satisfaction that only buying new books can bring.
Mon May 23-Sun May 29. ADNEC. adbookfair.com.
Watch German film screenings
It’s not just books. The Goethe Institut in cooperation with Frankfurter Buchmesse is inviting you to explore German literature through movies with this series of fascinating screenings. The mini German film festival will be held under the motto “German Stories” with three films depicting different periods and aspects of German society. This is a fantastic opportunity to expand your knowledge.
Fri May 27, 7pm-10pm. ADNEC. adbookfair.com.
Learn about the power of words
If you love spoken word poetry, you’ve got to get this talk at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair on your radar. Bestselling author Pierre Jarawan will speak with Emirati award-winning spoken word poet and scholar Dr. Afra Atiq about the slam scenes in Germany and the UAE. They will also discuss the power of writing slam poetry and fiction.
Mon May 23-Sun May 29. ADNEC. adbookfair.com.
Discover books and modern heritage
The interest in books on Gulf architecture has been growing recently. Publishing director Björn Rosen from Berlin and Alamira Reem Bani Hashim, author of Planning Abu Dhabi – An Urban History, chat about architectural concepts in this discussion. Björn is a journalist and publishing director and Alamira is the first Emirati woman to hold a PhD in City and Regional Planning.
Mon May 23-Sun May 29. ADNEC. adbookfair.com.
Communicate in Arabic
Want to learn to write? Take this workshop from an acclaimed author sharing his knowledge with new writers at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Muhsin Al Ramli will support those wanting to write in Arabic and spread some of his wisdom.
Mon May 23-Sun May 29. ADNEC. adbookfair.com.
Create for theatre
If you have ever wondered what it is like to write a play, this talk might be for you. Bestselling authors Olga Grjasnowa and Moritz Rinke discuss what it is like to write for theatre versus writing a novel. It’s one of the top things to do at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair for creatives.
Mon May 23-Sun May 29. ADNEC. adbookfair.com.
Learn about language and identity
How does migration impact writers and writing? In this talk, Olga Grjasnowa and Deepak Unnikishnan will discuss how the experience of migration influences their writing. Get ready to be inspired at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
Mon May 23-Sun May 29. ADNEC. adbookfair.com.
Enjoy a great video game
Looking to get lost in a great video game, or learn more about the fascinating world of gaming? Keep an eye out for the Gaming Hub, where you can settle into a fantastic story and challenge your mates for the win. This is one of the best things to do at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
Mon May 23-Sun May 29. ADNEC. adbookfair.com.
Attend the Art of Spying Talk
Want to meet a renowned author? At the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, Ulla Lenze will speak about her latest novel, The Radio Operator. Based on a true story, the riveting book is the fictional story of the author’s great-uncle who becomes embroiled in a Nazi spy ring operating in New York City in the early days of World War II.
Mon May 23-Sun May 29. ADNEC. adbookfair.com.
Take the kids out to play
Heading to the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair with the kiddos? Bring them to the exciting children’s oasis, where there are special activities catered to younger learners. Here, little ones will get to take part in interactive workshops and meet fun characters, too.
Mon May 23-Sun May 29. ADNEC. adbookfair.com.
