Dubai Culture Showcases Emirati Literary and Cultural Initiatives at Beijing International Book Fair 2026
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is highlighting the vibrancy of the UAE’s cultural and literary landscape at the 32nd Beijing International Book Fair, where the United Arab Emirates is participating as the Guest of Honour.
Through its participation as part of the official UAE delegation, Dubai Culture aims to strengthen international cultural cooperation, expand opportunities for Emirati creatives, and promote local literary and publishing achievements to global audiences. The fair runs until June 21 and brings together leading publishers, writers, translators, and cultural institutions from around the world.
As part of its programme, Dubai Culture is showcasing a collection of publications that reflect the creativity and contributions of Emirati authors. Among the highlights are ten new titles launched under the first phase of the “Emirates… People and Impact” project, an initiative developed within the framework of the “Publishing in Dubai” programme.
The project seeks to document the stories and achievements of influential Emirati figures while preserving and promoting elements of the nation’s culture, heritage, and history for future generations through engaging and accessible content.
Promoting Emirati Literature and Creative Industries
Dubai Culture is also participating in the “Emirati House” programme, themed “Community and People,” where it is organising a series of dialogue sessions and cultural discussions aimed at showcasing the diversity and richness of the UAE’s cultural landscape.
One of the featured sessions, titled “From Story to Creative Content: Emirati Symbols in Children's Literature,” explored the importance of integrating Emirati heritage, cultural icons, and national values into children's literature and creative content.
The session brought together cultural and publishing experts, including Iman Al Hammadi, Director of Literature and Knowledge at Dubai Culture; Dr. Abdullah Al Sharhan, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Publishers Association and Founder of Ajial Publishing House; and Emirati author Afraa Mahmoud.
Participants discussed how stories rooted in local culture and heritage can be transformed into contemporary narratives that support the growth of cultural and creative industries while strengthening younger generations’ connection to their national identity.
Reading and Knowledge Exchange
As part of the fair’s activities, Dubai Culture will also organise and participate in several sessions focused on reading promotion, knowledge development, and cultural exchange.
On June 21, Al Hammadi will take part in the session “Promoting Reading in Diverse Societies,” organised in cooperation with the UAE Board on Books for Young People. The discussion will examine successful reading initiatives in both the UAE and China and explore opportunities for collaboration in building knowledge-based societies.
The Authority will additionally present its experience in encouraging reading through a wide range of cultural programmes during the “World Reading Festival” session, organised in partnership with the Beijing International Book Fair.
Another key event, “Where Words Meet the World – Emirati Literary Evening,” will bring together writers and intellectuals from the UAE and China to discuss literature, translation, and the role of cultural dialogue in fostering mutual understanding between nations.
Building International Partnerships
Beyond its public programme, Dubai Culture’s delegation is conducting a series of professional meetings with Chinese publishers, libraries, printing houses, translators, academics, and cultural organisations.
The discussions are focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration in translation, publishing, content development, and knowledge exchange, while also providing insights into international best practices in the publishing and creative industries sectors.
These engagements are expected to support the expansion of Emirati literary works into international markets and create new opportunities for collaborative cultural projects between the UAE and China.
Strengthening Dubai’s Global Cultural Presence
Commenting on the participation, Iman Hassan Al Hammadi, Director of the Literature and Knowledge Department at Dubai Culture, said the event provides an important platform to showcase the progress of the UAE’s cultural and publishing sectors while strengthening ties with international partners.
She noted that the UAE’s role as Guest of Honour reflects the growing global recognition of Emirati culture and highlights the strong cultural and intellectual relationship between the UAE and China.
According to Al Hammadi, Dubai Culture remains committed to empowering creatives, supporting the publishing ecosystem, and creating opportunities for Emirati cultural products to reach wider international audiences.
The Authority’s participation aligns with its broader mission to reinforce Dubai’s position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a meeting point for talent and innovation. It also supports the emirate’s creative economy by promoting the achievements of local writers, publishers, and cultural practitioners on the world stage.
