H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed has allocated AED1 million to purchase books from the Al Dhafra Book Festival 2026, supporting publishing and cultural literacy.
AL DHAFRA: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, has directed the allocation of AED1 million to purchase books and knowledge resources from publishing houses participating in the sixth edition of the Al Dhafra Book Festival 2026. The announcement reflects strong support for promoting cultural engagement, family literacy and the publishing sector in the UAE.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the festival highlights the role of literature in community development. This initiative is part of the broader goals of the “Year of the Family”, aiming to integrate reading into family life and build stronger knowledge-based communities.
The book purchase directive will directly benefit educational institutions and public libraries across the Al Dhafra Region by expanding access to diverse literary resources and Arabic-language content. It also reinforces the Emirate’s long-term cultural strategy, focused on nurturing a society that values lifelong learning and creative knowledge exchange.
Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, praised the continuous patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed. He stated that the support has been instrumental in the steady development of the Al Dhafra Book Festival, enabling it to respond effectively to the cultural needs of the community while empowering local and regional publishers.
The Al Dhafra Book Festival serves as a vital cultural bridge between writers, publishers, and the public. This year’s edition is expected to offer an expanded programme of literary sessions, educational activities and family-oriented events, reinforcing the festival’s mission of making books central to everyday life in the region.
