UAE knowledge foundation heads to London Book Fair with major initiatives, literary discussions and partnerships aimed at strengthening global knowledge exchange and boosting the UAE’s role….reports Asian Lite News
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) is set to present a wide-ranging programme of initiatives and discussions at the London Book Fair 2026, as the UAE continues to expand its role in global knowledge exchange and publishing.
The foundation will participate in the internationally recognised event, which runs from 10 to 12 March at Olympia London and brings together publishers, writers, academics and knowledge leaders from around the world. The annual fair is widely regarded as one of the most influential gatherings in the global publishing industry, offering a platform for intellectual collaboration, business partnerships and discussions on the future of knowledge production.
MBRF’s participation forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen international partnerships and reinforce the UAE’s presence within the global knowledge and publishing ecosystem. Through its presence at the fair, the organisation aims to highlight its key initiatives that promote knowledge creation, support research and encourage intellectual innovation across disciplines.
The foundation will showcase several flagship projects designed to nurture talent and expand access to learning. These include the Dubai International Programme for Writing, which supports emerging writers through mentorship and training, as well as KnowTalks, a knowledge-sharing platform that brings together thinkers, innovators and experts to exchange ideas.
Another major initiative being presented at the fair is the Future Skills Academy, a programme focused on preparing individuals for evolving professional and technological landscapes by equipping them with advanced knowledge and practical skills.
Jamal bin Huwaireb, Chief Executive Officer of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, said the organisation’s continued presence at the London Book Fair reflects its commitment to strengthening the UAE’s position on the global knowledge map.
He noted that the event serves as one of the most significant international forums for the publishing and intellectual sectors, gathering leading figures from literary and scientific communities along with publishers and readers from across the world.
Bin Huwaireb said the foundation’s participation aims to highlight the UAE’s achievements in supporting knowledge production and intellectual development while encouraging creativity and literary excellence at regional and global levels.
In addition to presenting its projects, MBRF will host a series of cultural and literary discussions through its “Knowledge Lounge” platform. These sessions are designed to encourage dialogue on literature, culture and the role of language in shaping identity and creative expression.
Among the sessions planned are discussions exploring how Arabic literature is perceived internationally, reflections on poetry and the emotional power of language, and conversations with authors writing about the experience of living and creating literature outside their home countries. The programme will also include a discussion focusing on Arabic book clubs in the United Kingdom and their role in promoting cultural exchange.
The London Book Fair will also feature a special panel organised by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award. The session, titled “Giving Knowledge a Global Impact”, will explore how intellectual achievements can influence societies and advance knowledge development worldwide.
The discussion will include contributions from Dr David M Clark, a recipient of the knowledge award, alongside Professor Nick Rawlins, a member of the award’s advisory board.
Officials from the foundation say participation in the fair offers an important opportunity to expand cooperation with international publishing houses, research institutions and organisations involved in the creation and dissemination of knowledge.
By strengthening these partnerships, MBRF aims to encourage new collaborations, exchange expertise and develop innovative initiatives that support knowledge industries and contribute to building sustainable knowledge societies.
The foundation’s presence at the London Book Fair also aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of positioning itself as a global hub for knowledge production, innovation and intellectual dialogue.
