Zayed Authority for People of Determination Enriches the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair with a Comprehensive Cultural and Knowledge Programmer

Zayed Authority for People of Determination is participating in the 35th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026, taking place from 13 to 18 September at ADNEC Abu Dhabi, with a diverse cultural, knowledge-based and interactive programmer that reflects its vision of empowering People of Determination, enhancing their access to knowledge and culture, and showcasing their capabilities and creativity as active partners in society and in shaping the future.

The Authority’s participation features a pavilion offering knowledge initiatives, specialized publications, workshops and interactive experiences that bring together reading, creativity and assistive technology. The pavilion also enables visitors from various backgrounds to learn more about the Authority’s services and initiatives, reflecting its commitment to fostering a culture of knowledge and promoting accessible access to it for all.

Zayed Authority for People of Determination affirmed that its participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair reflects its belief that knowledge and culture are rights for all, and that empowering People of Determination extends beyond providing services to creating platforms that enable them to read, create, express their ideas, share their experiences and contribute to knowledge production.

The Authority added that its programmer in this year’s edition combines access to knowledge with creativity and cultural empowerment, highlighting the capabilities and creative contributions of People of Determination, while also emphasizing the role of youth, families and partners in building a more inclusive knowledge-based society, in line with the UAE’s vision and the Year of Family 2026.

Knowledge Initiatives and Launches

During its participation, the Authority highlights the “Ibtisam” initiative, in collaboration with Lotus Holistic Centre, introducing its objectives and community initiatives. The Authority will also launch the “Emirati Dictionary of Psychology” in collaboration with the Emirates Researchers Centre and the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, contributing to the enrichment of specialized knowledge content.

The Authority’s pavilion will also feature students from Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls, showcasing a collection of books, stories and literary creations, alongside live workshops, activities and interactive events that highlight the students’ talents and enhance their cultural presence.

Accessible Knowledge and Assistive Technology

The Authority’s Department of Care for the Blind presents a specialized programmer focusing on assistive technology and digital reading. The programmer introduces smart applications and tools that enable people who are blind to read and enhance their digital independence, alongside practical experiences for visitors.

The participation includes the “Braille… From Dots to Words” workshop, which introduces children and their families to reading and writing in Braille and encourages them to develop a love of reading. The Authority will also showcase a collection of Braille publications reflecting its efforts to make knowledge accessible to people who are blind.

The programme also includes an interactive educational session titled “Why Do We Lose Motivation?”, offering awareness content and practical applications, as well as reading sessions for children who are blind in collaboration with Al Hudhud Publishing and Distribution House, with the aim of fostering a love of reading and providing an accessible and interactive knowledge experience.

Youth and Reading… Learning Together

As part of its efforts to strengthen the role of youth in the cultural and knowledge movement, the Zayed Authority for People of Determination Youth Council is participating in the fair’s programmer through a session titled “We Read Differently… and Learn Together”, taking place on 15 September 2026, the third day of the fair.

The session highlights the importance of reading and knowledge in strengthening communication and understanding, while recognizing diversity and differences as sources of learning and enrichment. It also explores the role of youth in promoting a culture of reading and dialogue and contributing to the development of a more inclusive and accepting society.

Creative Works and Publications

The Authority’s pavilion features a dedicated space showcasing publications and creative works by its employees. Marwa Farouk El Sayed Moussa, a specialized teacher at the Abu Dhabi Autism Centre, will participate with her publication “Practical Guidebook for Toilet Training Children”.

Samar Najah, a specialized teacher, will also present a collection of her publications and children’s stories, representing a diverse and ongoing literary experience. Meanwhile, Sherine Mohamed Awad Al Harbi, Senior Social Specialist, will present a storytelling project comprising six stories for children addressing key disabilities in a simplified manner. The characters are inspired by students of the Centre, with the aim of promoting awareness and social acceptance.

The participation also includes a dedicated space for Emirati author and Person of Determination Rawda Bin Awqad, where she will showcase her publications and products from her project and share her creative experience with visitors to the fair.

Interactive Experiences and Partnerships

The Zayed Authority for People of Determination pavilion offers a range of interactive experiences and workshops that allow visitors to explore assistive technologies, experience reading in Braille, and learn about the Authority’s services, publications and initiatives, with the participation of Authority employees and partners.

The participation will also witness the signing of two memoranda of understanding with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls, as part of efforts to strengthen knowledge-based, cultural and educational partnerships that support the empowerment of People of Determination.

The Authority’s participation builds on its ongoing efforts at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, where previous editions featured pioneering initiatives to make knowledge accessible, including the “Creative Hands Read” initiative, Braille publications, as well as interactive workshops and support services.

Through its participation in the 35th edition, Zayed Authority for People of Determination reaffirms its commitment to strengthening a more inclusive knowledge and cultural ecosystem that enables People of Determination to be partners in reading, creativity and knowledge production, and to contribute through their capabilities and ideas to building a cohesive society and shaping a brighter future for all.