Launches the First 10 Titles Under the ‘People & Legacy’ Project
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), as part of the official UAE delegation, is reinforcing its presence on the international cultural stage through its participation in the 32nd Beijing International Book Fair, where the UAE is the Guest of Honour. Through its participation in the fair, which runs until 21 June, the Authority aims to highlight the vibrancy of Dubai’s cultural landscape with a diverse programme that includBbies the launch of new publications, specialised panel discussions, and professional engagements with Chinese publishers and cultural institutions.
The participation is designed to create new opportunities for local talent, expand access to international markets, and strengthen the global presence of Emirati creatives, in line with Dubai Culture’s commitment to expanding international cultural partnerships and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.
Commenting on the Authority’s participation, Eiman Al Hammadi, Director of the Literature and Knowledge Department at Dubai Culture, said: “Dubai Culture’s participation as part of the UAE delegation at the Beijing International Book Fair 2026 reflects our commitment to strengthening the global presence of Emirati culture and fostering meaningful cultural exchange through leading international platforms. It also highlights the continued growth of the UAE’s literature and publishing sectors, while creating new opportunities to build partnerships with cultural institutions, publishers, and knowledge organisations around the world.”
She continued: “The UAE’s participation as Guest of Honour marks a significant milestone that reflects the growing international appreciation of Emirati culture and underscores the strong cultural and knowledge ties between the United Arab Emirates and the People’s Republic of China. Through the UAE House programme, Dubai Culture is showcasing a range of initiatives that support writers, publishers, and creatives, while exploring new avenues for collaboration in translation, publishing, content development, and knowledge exchange. We believe these partnerships play an important role in building bridges between cultures and enriching dialogue between communities.”
As part of its participation, the Authority is showcasing a collection of books and publications that celebrate the creativity of Emirati authors, including the first 10 titles released during the inaugural phase of its People & Legacy project. Launched under the Publishing in Dubai programme, the initiative documents the lives and achievements of influential Emirati figures while highlighting the UAE’s rich culture, heritage, and history through engaging publications designed to inspire younger generations.
Dubai Culture is also organising a series of interactive discussions that highlight the richness and diversity of the UAE’s cultural landscape at the UAE House programme, held under the theme ‘Community and People. The Authority hosted the session ‘From Storytelling to Creative Content: Emirati Symbols in Children’s Literature,’ featuring Eiman Al Hammadi, Director of the Literature and Knowledge Department at Dubai Culture, Dr Abdullah Al Sharhan, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Publishers Association and Founder of Ajyal Publishing House, and Emirati author Afra Mahmoud. Moderated by Dr Basema Younes, Cultural Advisor at the Ministry of Culture, the session explored the importance of incorporating Emirati symbols, historical figures, and elements of local heritage into children’s literature to strengthen national identity and preserve community values. It also examined how stories inspired by local heritage can be transformed into contemporary narratives that contribute to the growth of the cultural and creative industries.
On 21 June, Al Hammadi will also participate in the session ‘Promoting Reading in Diverse Communities,’ organised by Dubai Culture in collaboration with the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) under the Investing in People track. The discussion will explore the experiences of the UAE and China in developing reading policies and knowledge-based communities, while highlighting national initiatives that promote reading and lifelong learning. It will also provide a platform for exchanging expertise, sharing successful models, and identifying new opportunities for cultural and knowledge collaboration between the two countries.
Dubai Culture will further present its experience in fostering a reading culture during the World Reading Festival session, organised in partnership with the Beijing International Book Fair. The session will highlight the Authority’s integrated ecosystem of cultural initiatives and programmes designed to encourage reading and lifelong learning across all segments of society.
Al Hammadi will also participate in the ‘Where Words Meet the World – UAE Literary Night’ event, bringing together leading writers and cultural figures from the UAE and China to exchange perspectives on literature and translation, while highlighting the role of culture in building bridges of dialogue and strengthening mutual understanding between peoples.
Meanwhile, the Authority’s programme at the fair also includes a series of professional visits and meetings with Chinese publishing houses, libraries, and printing institutions to explore international best practices in publishing and printing and to gain insights into leading models for developing the cultural and creative industries. The delegation will also meet with translators, academics, publishers, and representatives of Chinese cultural institutions to discuss opportunities for collaboration in translation, publishing, and knowledge exchange, paving the way for new joint initiatives and strengthening cultural cooperation between the UAE and China.
18.06.2026 Stockholm