ADIBF 2026 highlights family-centred values shared by the UAE and China
A panel at the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair examined the role of the family in bridging civilisations and introduced Arab readers to Chinese culture through the book 'Hello, China'.
Family as a cultural bridge
The 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) under the theme ‘Turn the Page, Read the World’, hosted a session that considered the family as a link between civilisations. The discussion formed part of wider fair programming that this year coincides with the UAE’s declaration of 2026 as the ‘Year of Family’ and with China’s Mid‑Autumn Festival.
Moderated by Ye Bo, Vice President of China’s Higher Education Press Limited Company, the panel examined how family‑centred values are expressed in both Emirati and Chinese societies and explored ways in which literature can foster mutual understanding. Contributors included Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC; Liang Zhao, Deputy Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the UAE; Dr Ahmed Elsaid, Chief Executive Officer at Bayt Al‑Hikma Cultural Industries Group; and Li Fanglin, Rights Manager at Higher Education Press Limited Company.
The session featured discussion of the book ‘Hello, China’, presented to introduce Arab readers to aspects of Chinese culture, traditions and everyday life. Panellists noted that the themes in the title resonated with the UAE’s ongoing focus on the family as a social foundation that supports stability and happiness.
Dr Ali bin Tamim welcomed China’s extensive participation at the fair, describing it as the largest of its kind among regional book festivals. He pointed to reciprocal cultural engagement, observing that the UAE’s recent role as Guest of Honour at the Beijing International Book Fair demonstrates deepening ties between the two countries.
Speakers emphasised that family values can serve as a common language across different societies, offering a basis for cultural exchange and collaboration in publishing, translation and educational projects. The session highlighted practical initiatives to familiarise Arab audiences with Chinese writing, scholarship and children’s literature, signalling sustained cultural outreach from Chinese institutions.
Organisers said the programme was designed to reflect the fair’s broader remit: to bring international voices into conversation with readers and cultural stakeholders in Abu Dhabi and the wider region. By positioning the family at the heart of the discussion, contributors sought to underline shared social priorities as fertile ground for future cooperation between the UAE and China in the fields of culture and education.
Source: WAM