The 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) is currently taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and will run through 5 May 2025. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, this prestigious event is one of the Middle East’s most significant literary gatherings. It serves as a vibrant hub for cultural dialogue, intellectual engagement, and the celebration of reading and literacy.
Held under the theme Knowledge Illuminates Our Community, this year’s fair brings together multiple international publishers, authors, academics, and simple book enthusiasts. The programme features a wide range of events, including author talks, panel discussions, workshops, seminars, and exhibitions.
As ADIBF 2025 places a significant emphasis on the future of publishing, there are also dedicated sections exploring digital innovations, e-books, and the evolving role of technology in literature. Children and youth are well catered to with special programming that includes interactive storytelling, educational activities, and performances designed to inspire a lifelong love for reading.
Among the 1,400 publishers from 96 countries participating in ADIBF 2025 is Ghaf, a publishing house and digital library committed to enriching Arab intellectual life. Ghaf also reintroduces forgotten books to contemporary audiences, making them more accessible and relevant. The publishing house offers access to a curated selection of rare and hard-to-find books spanning various fields of knowledge. The name Ghaf is inspired by the resilient ghaf tree, a drought-tolerant species that thrives in the desert climate. As the national tree of the UAE, it symbolises endurance, peace, and stability.
This year, Ghaf presents A House With An Ajar Door, a new collection of touching short stories by Mariem Hamoud, an Arabic language specialist, editor, and writer from Mauritania. Drawing on personal and familial experiences in the UAE and Mauritania, Hamoud’s stories reflect deeply on the connections between people, home, land, and memory.
The book’s cover, created by contemporary artist Julia Smolenkova, is minimalist yet evocative. Depicting a dreamlike archway, the artwork acts as a visual metaphor for the “ajar door” in the title: an invitation into the reflective and intimate world within.
You can get more information about House With An Ajar Door in Mariem Hamoud’s official Instagram account.
To learn more about the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025, please go to the event’s official website.
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