Abu Dhabi, UAE, 18 September 2026: Mohammed Bin Rashid Library concluded its participation in the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, with a large turnout from visitors and those interested in books and culture. The Library’s participation allowed attendees to explore its services, projects, initiatives, and publications.
One of the key highlights of the Library’s participation was the visit of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs. During the visit, His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, presented him with a copy of Treasures of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library—a publication documenting a selection of the Library’s holdings and its knowledge and cultural assets.
Throughout the fair, the Library’s pavilion welcomed multiple visitors and members of the cultural sector, as well as prominent cultural, artistic, and media figures and senior officials. This included His Excellency Engineer Rashad Bukhash, Chairman of the Agricultural Heritage Society (UAE); Jamal Matar, author and media personality; Khalil Abdulwahid, President of the Emirates Fine Arts Society; and Mohammed Al Qassab, visual artist and member of the Emirates Fine Arts Society.
Dr. Mohammed Salem AlMazrooei, Board Member at Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, said: “The large turnout at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library’s pavilion during the fair reflects the public’s interest in knowledge, culture, and programmes that bring together books, dialogue, the arts, and interactive experiences. We were keen to ensure that our participation presented a comprehensive overview of the Library’s role, projects, and initiatives, while also providing a direct space for engagement with readers, authors, creatives, and cultural institutions.”
AlMazrooei added: “Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is a major platform for communication, knowledge exchange, and the development of new relationships with publishers and cultural institutions. It also provides an opportunity to gain direct insight into the interests and aspirations of the public. At Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, we continue to develop knowledge-based programmes and experiences that contribute to expanding access to knowledge, and promoting reading and culture amongst community members.”
“Don Quixote” Through a Modern Lens
The Library’s pavilion hosted a discussion session titled Don Quixote: Why Are We Still Fighting Windmills?, as part of the fair’s celebration of Miguel de Cervantes’ novel Don Quixote, which was featured by the fair as the Book of the World. Moderated by Dr. Samar Al-Dayyoub, the session was attended by poet and researcher Dr. Omar Al-Rajhi.
The session offered a modern reading of the novel, exploring the power of books to shape consciousness and imagination, the conflict between dreams and reality, and the significance of windmills as a symbol of humanity’s struggle with its illusions and the challenges of its time. It also examined the ability of literary works to remain alive across centuries and the enduring questions they raise as times change, leading to a discussion of the “windmills of our age” and the extent to which words can bring about change.
A Diverse Programme
The Library’s programme during the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair featured workshops, poetry evenings, and activities. The programme also included two evenings of classical Arabic poetry featuring a distinguished group of poets.
The Library’s pavilion also offered artistic and interactive experiences, including live musical performances featuring the oud, qanun, and violin, as well as Arabic calligraphy and caricature drawing experiences. A One Minute of Knowledge competition further enabled visitors to engage with content that brought together knowledge, literature, the arts, and heritage.
During its participation, the Library highlighted its key projects and initiatives, including the Dubai International Library Summit, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Arabic Language Award, and Dubai Archive. It also introduced visitors to its services, knowledge resources, and various membership categories.
The Library also showcased a selection of its publications covering culture, knowledge, science, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. These included Culture and Its Role in Building Society – The United Arab Emirates’ Experience, AI Narratives, Global: A Graphic Novel, A Voyage of Libraries: Past, Present and Future, and From Idea to Reader: The Future of the Publishing Industry, in addition to a number of other cultural and scientific publications.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library’s participation in book fairs and cultural events supports its efforts to bolster its intellectual and cultural presence and expand channels of communication with readers, creatives, cultural institutions, and publishing houses. Throughout the year, the Library offers a diverse programme of events, sessions, workshops, and knowledge-based initiatives.