Beijing International Book Fair highlights deepening China-UAE cultural exchange

The 32nd Beijing International Book Fair opened at the China National Convention Center on Wednesday, highlighting China's growing role as a global cultural hub and welcoming the United Arab Emirates as this year's Country of Honor. 

Visitors gather at "Al Bait Al Emarati," the UAE's official pavilion at the 32nd Beijing International Book Fair, June 17, 2026. [Photo by Yang Chuanli/China.org.cn]

The UAE's participation at this year's fair features two primary platforms: a cultural display stand named "Al Bait Al Emarati" (The Emirati House) and a dedicated copyright trading stand. Built around the theme "Society and Humanity," the UAE's pavilion emphasizes cultural exchange and mutual understanding between peoples.

Al-Ayyala folk dancers perform outside the UAE's official pavilion at the 32nd Beijing International Book Fair as visitors stop to watch, Beijing, June 17, 2026. [Photo by Yang Chuanli/China.org.cn]

During the book fair, more than 20 themed cultural dialogues will be hostedat the "Al Bait Al Emarati" stand, providing a space for experts to explore the future of China-UAE civilizational ties, bilateral economic and trade collaboration, and cultural cooperation.

Onsite activities include book signings by renowned authors and thinkers, exhibitions of Arabic calligraphy and fine art, and joint meetings between Chinese and Emirati institutions. A dedicated archive zone on China-UAE relations traces milestone moments in bilateral engagement.

Eighteen Emirati cultural, academic and knowledge institutions are taking part in the cultural display stand, spanning cultural communication, book publishing and academic research.

Meanwhile, the copyright trading stand brings together multiple cultural and literary institutions alongside publishers to drive copyright collaboration and content exchange.

Portrait of Abdullah Al-Ali, head of delegation for the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, UAE. [Photo courtesy of Abdullah Al-Ali]

Abdullah Al-Ali, head of delegation for the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, told China.org.cn that the UAE's participation at this year's BIBF centers on a cultural narrative rooted in universal values — tolerance, community and harmony — shared by both Emirati and Chinese cultures.

He pointed to the Ghaf Tree, the national tree of the UAE, as an example. The Ghaf is a symbol of resilience and unity, surviving and flourishing in desert environments. He said it was historically a gathering place where ancestors would sit in its shade to talk, solve problems and connect.

By sharing symbols like the Ghaf, Al-Ali said, the UAE aims to show Chinese families that while their landscapes may differ, their core human values and commitment to environmental stewardship are closely aligned.

Visitors listen to a briefing on traditional Emirati coffee preparation at the UAE's official pavilion at the 32nd Beijing International Book Fair, June 17, 2026. [Photo by Yang Chuanli/China.org.cn]

Founded in 1986, the BIBF is organized by the National Press and Publication Administration and undertaken by China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Corporation.

As a global platform for international publishing and cultural exchange, it gathers more than 2,500 exhibitors from more than 110 countries and regions each year, covering printed books, digital publishing, animation and cultural creativity.