The 32nd Beijing International Book Fair 2026 opened in Beijing on Sunday with the United Arab Emirates participating as a guest country, underscoring growing cultural and intellectual ties with China.
UAE highlights cultural partnership at Beijing International Book Fair
BEIJING, Jun 21 (APP): The 32nd Beijing International Book Fair 2026 opened in Beijing on Sunday with the United Arab Emirates participating as a guest country, underscoring growing cultural and intellectual ties with China.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior dignitaries, including UAE Minister of Culture Sheikh Salim bin Khaled Al-Kassim, UAE Ambassador to China Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi and Deputy Minister of Culture Mubarak Al Nahyan, along with other officials and cultural figures.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the 19th Special Contribution Award for Chinese Books to Professor Mohamed Moussa Mohamed Ben Huweden, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of the United Arab Emirates. The award was conferred by Li Shulei, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of the Publicity Department, in recognition of his contributions to promoting cultural and academic exchanges.
The UAE showcased its cultural presence through the “UAE House” pavilion, jointly organized by the UAE Embassy in China and the Ministry of Culture. The pavilion featured exhibitions and activities spanning literature, translation, publishing, and creative industries, reflecting the depth of UAE-China cultural cooperation.
A range of interactive programmes, including children’s storytelling, creative workshops, and traditional Ayala dance performances staged in public venues across Beijing, introduced Emirati cultural traditions to wider audiences.
The UAE also hosted a China–UAE Media Dialogue during the fair, bringing together media representatives from both countries to explore cooperation in journalism, content creation, joint reporting, and talent exchange.
In addition, a UAE Literary Night was held as part of the fair’s official programme, facilitating dialogue between writers and cultural figures from both countries on the role of literature and translation in strengthening mutual understanding and civilizational exchange.
Officials said the UAE’s participation as guest country reflects the strong foundation of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides and highlights culture as a key bridge for enhancing people-to-people ties and promoting global dialogue.
