Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, made a distinguished visit to the 16th edition of the Al Ain Book Festival, an event celebrated under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region. The festival, running under the inspiring theme “For You, Al Ain Is Wider Than Home,” showcases the UAE’s enduring commitment to knowledge, reading, and cultural excellence. Sheikh Nahyan’s presence underscored the leadership’s vision of fostering a society where culture, creativity, and education are deeply intertwined with community life.
During his tour, Sheikh Nahyan explored numerous cultural pavilions and publishing houses, reviewing their latest literary releases and initiatives. His engagement highlighted the festival’s pivotal role in strengthening the Arabic language, encouraging intellectual curiosity, and promoting reading among all age groups. The minister praised the festival for creating a platform where literature and the arts converge, providing opportunities for residents and visitors alike to connect with authors, creators, and cultural innovators.
Sheikh Nahyan reaffirmed the UAE’s deeply rooted cultural principles, established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which position knowledge and learning as cornerstones of development and societal progress. He noted that under the visionary leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE continues to cultivate a cultural environment that nurtures creativity, encourages innovation, and solidifies the nation’s status as a global hub for knowledge and cultural production.
With more than 100,000 book titles presented by over 220 publishers and exhibitors, the festival’s rich programme includes interactive workshops, author meet-and-greets, and cultural events designed to inspire and educate. Sheikh Nahyan emphasized that the festival not only celebrates literature but also reflects the UAE’s dedication to fostering an informed, tolerant, and creative society.
By connecting the community to books, arts, and cultural dialogue, the Al Ain Book Festival stands as a testament to the nation’s mission to build a knowledge-driven society. Sheikh Nahyan’s visit reinforced the importance of culture as a foundation for learning, community engagement, and the development of future generations, positioning Al Ain as a vibrant centre for creativity, literacy, and intellectual growth.
