Indonesia Becomes An Honorary Guest At The Abu Dhabi Book Fair 2026

Indonesia is a guest at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025. (IST)

JAKARTA - Indonesia was officially designated as an honorary guest (Guest of Honor) in the 2026 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF). The announcement was made at the closing ceremony of the 2025 ADIBF in Abu Dhabi, marked by a handover procession between the Government of Indonesia and the organizing committee.

Present at the agenda included the Head of the Abu Dhabi Arabic language Center, Ali Bin Tamim, Director of ADIBF Saeed Hamdan Altunaij, and Indonesian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Husin Bagis.

Representing Indonesia, the Director General of Diplomacy, Promotion, and Cultural Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture, Endah TD Retnoastuti, said that this trust is a form of recognition of Indonesian cultural power.

"We accept this honor with pride and humility. This is proof of the close ties between Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates which were built on the basis of mutual respect and a common vision for the future," Endah said in a written statement received Thursday, May 8.

He emphasized that Indonesia's participation as an honorary guest was part of cultural diplomacy to strengthen relations between the two countries. ADIBF, according to him, will be an important stage for Indonesia to introduce the wealth of literature and culture to the world.

"Indonesia is a mega-diversity country. We have 285 million inhabitants, 1,340 ethnic groups, more than 718 regional languages, and represent 10 percent of the world language heritage. This is not just an asset, but a power of the story," he continued.

The head of the Abu Dhabi Arabic language center, Ali Bin Tamim, welcomed Indonesia's participation. He considered that Indonesia deserved this honor because it was rich in culture, literature, and tradition. ADIBF is a forum for exchanging ideas across fields 'sasstra, academics, arts, and philosophy. Indonesia will strengthen that spirit," he said.

The Abu Dhabi Book Fair is the largest annual event in the Middle East region. First held in 1981 under the name Islamic Book Exhibition, ADIBF developed into a global stage for literacy and cultural promotion.

Every year, ADIBF brings together publishing industry players from around the world. This forum offers collaboration opportunities, introduces the latest trends of the creative industry, and encourages dialogue between nations.

By being an honorary guest at the 2026 ADIBF, Indonesia has the opportunity to expand cultural influences, promote books made by the nation's children, and establish strategic international partnerships in the culture sector.