The International Congress of Arabic Publishing and Creative Industries returns to Abu Dhabi this September — and the speaker lineup is next level.
From award-winning filmmakers to comedians and business leaders, this year’s program brings together some of the most influential Arab voices shaping how stories from the region are told, shared, and remembered.
Big Names, Bold Voices
Nadine Labaki
Lebanese filmmaker and one of the few Arab women to break into global cinema in a big way. From Caramel to the Oscar-nominated Capernaum, her films blend raw emotion with social critique, spotlighting stories from the margins with cinematic flair.
Hend Sabry
The award-winning Tunisian actress and producer has been shaping Arab pop culture since the early 2000s. Beyond her iconic roles, she’s used her platform to support women in film and challenge narrow narratives about the Arab world—both on screen and behind the scenes.
Mariam Naoum
One of Egypt’s most influential screenwriters. Through her work and her writing lab Sard, she’s opened the door for bold, socially driven storytelling in Arabic TV and film—centering voices and topics that are often silenced or overlooked.
Mo Amer
Palestinian-American comedian whose rise from refugee to Netflix headliner proves the power of authentic storytelling. He brings a unique perspective to the global stage—tackling identity, politics, and diaspora life with humor, heart, and honesty.
Where and When
Set to take place at Etihad Arena on September 14 and 15, the event is organized by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center.
Launched in 2022, the congress has quickly become a major platform for creatives, publishers, and tech innovators.
More Than Just Publishing
While it started with books, the congress now covers AI, digital storytelling, content creation, and youth innovation.
This year’s focus? How Arab creativity can thrive in a rapidly changing world.
What’s on the Agenda
Some of the talks we’re excited about:
- The Power of Cultural Symbolism in Personal Narrative
- Creators, Capital, and Control: Who Wins in the New Economy?
- Creative Explorations of Manuscript History
Workshop highlights include:
- Finding the Spark: A screenwriting workshop with Mariam Naoum
- Generative AI Tools for Arabic Content
- Arabic Calligraphy Meets Digital Design with Adobe Express
Big Tech in the House
Representatives from Google, Meta, Snap Inc., and TikTok will be there, alongside creators and policymakers — all coming together to explore how technology can elevate Arabic content and storytelling in the digital age.
Innovation Awards Return
One of the event’s most exciting features is back — the Innovation Awards. The competition invites students and young creatives to pitch fresh, impactful ideas that promote the Arabic language in new and engaging ways.
Final Word
From cultural icons to future voices, this congress is where Arab creativity connects, evolves, and inspires.
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