The 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has opened its doors at ADNEC Centre, bringing together literature, publishing, culture and ideas under this year’s theme, Turn the Page, Read the World.

The six-day fair opened with a high-profile literary moment as former Spanish King Juan Carlos I presented the Arabic edition of his memoir, Reconciliation. The book, written over two years with French writer Laurence Debray, reflects on Spain’s transition to democracy and the former king’s perspective on a defining chapter in the country’s modern history.

But beyond headline launches, the fair offers a more intimate kind of discovery.

One of this year’s highlights is Archive of Tomorrow: Modern Heritage in Abu Dhabi, a bilingual coffee-table book documenting the capital’s architecture, buildings, sites and evolving urban landscapes. Published by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, it brings together photography, writing and artwork to explore the emirate’s modern architectural heritage.

Elsewhere, the fair invites visitors to rediscover the simple pleasure of choosing a book. At the Blind Date with a Book stand, titles are wrapped in brown paper with their authors, covers and names hidden — turning the familiar act of browsing into a moment of surprise.

The event also reflects how the publishing world is changing. Independent booksellers are increasingly balancing digital sales with the personal connection of physical book fairs, using the event as an opportunity to meet readers, understand their interests and preserve the social experience traditionally associated with bookstores.

More than a celebration of books, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair presents reading as a way of connecting places, generations and ideas — from personal memoirs and contemporary literature to the architectural memory of the UAE.

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair runs until September 18 at ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi. Public programme entry is free with online registration.