Abu Dhabi [UAE], April 27: In its thirty-fourth edition, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair continues its engagement with global cultures by featuring the Caribbean as this year's Guest of Honour; a gesture that celebrates one of the world's richest and most diverse literary, intellectual, and artistic landscapes.
The Culture of the Caribbean Basin has been chosen as this year's Guest of Honour, underscoring the UAE's commitment to fostering global cultural partnerships and providing enriching knowledge experiences that deepen intercultural exchange, further strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a premier destination for intellectual and cultural exchange.
The Caribbean, with its archipelago of over 700 islands, is more than just a geographical region, it is a crucible of cultures, memories, and struggles; a literary voice like no other.
The Caribbean's presence at this year's Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is more than a gesture of cultural exposure; it marks the continuation of a quietly evolving relationship. Despite the geographical distance, Caribbean and Arab experiences intersect in striking ways, through histories of colonialism, displacement, contested identities, and the search for belonging after independence.
These shared themes are at the heart of both Caribbean and Arab literature, making translation a powerful tool for building bridges between the two worlds.
In recent years, translations of Caribbean literature into Arabic have grown, particularly the works of Naipaul, Glissant, Conde, Walcott, and Jean Rhys, nurturing a new Arab awareness of what is often called "peripheral literature", which in fact redefines the centre and unveils the layered nature of identity in a globalised era.
The selection of the Caribbean as Guest of Honour at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025 is a celebration of diversity and openness, not as abstract ideals, but as lived realities across nations. It is a tribute to literature that revives forgotten voices, questions dominant narratives, and offers the "other" a rightful place in the cultural conversation.
This initiative offers ample space for building bridges of collaboration between publishers from the Arab world and the Caribbean, through translation, distribution, and rights exchange, all of which contribute to enriching the shared cultural landscape and strengthening mutual presence in global markets. It is also a valuable opportunity for Arab readers, researchers, and translators to engage with literary experiences that mirror their own in depth, even if they appear different on the surface.
Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, the event organiser, stated that the Caribbean countries possess one of the most diverse cultures in the world, having been shaped over centuries through interaction among a wide array of influences. This has created a unique and distinctive cultural identity, and we are delighted to have it represented at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. The selection of the Caribbean countries as this year's Guest of Honour is the culmination of their historic efforts to enrich world culture and our belief that cultural dialogue is the best bridge for cooperation between nations.
"We warmly welcome our friends, intellectuals, and creatives from the Caribbean countries, who will share with the local and Arab community a cultural program that showcases the rich heritage of those beautiful lands, their historical cultural civilization, and offers an exceptional glimpse into their traditions and popular arts. This opens up new horizons for mutual cultural cooperation," he said.
Dr. bin Tamim emphasised that Caribbean culture is characterized by its remarkable adaptability and innovation, maintaining its unique identity despite external influences, and succeeding in presenting its heritage in modern and global forms, ensuring its continuity and presence.
He noted that the region's literary contributions have prominently engaged with major humanitarian issues. Hosting the Caribbean at the Fair presents an excellent opportunity to expand cooperation in the field of creative industries and to build bridges between the Arabic language and different cultures, reflecting values of intercultural dialogue and brotherhood among peoples.
Source: Emirates News Agency
