The UAE's participation in the 2026 Beijing International Book Fair was not limited to publications, books, and intellectual discussions; it extended to offer visitors a comprehensive cultural experience that allowed them to discover aspects of Emirati identity through coffee, handicrafts, perfumes, and folk arts. At the Emirati House accompanying the fair's events, heritage was transformed into a living experience to be seen, heard, and touched, presenting an image of a society that has preserved its cultural legacy.
A cup that tells the story of hospitality
Obaid Al Kaabi, a coffee and heritage expert at the House of Coffee under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, confirmed that the participation in the 2026 Beijing International Book Fair aims to introduce the culture, customs, and traditions of the UAE through Emirati coffee, which represents an authentic part of the national heritage. He explained that Emirati coffee is not merely a traditional beverage but a cultural element tied to the values of hospitality and generosity for which Emirati society is renowned, noting that the House of Coffee offers visitors an opportunity to learn about this culture and to discover the methods of preparing coffee and its place in Emirati social life.
Nahyan Al Mansouri of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Heritage explained that the participation in the Beijing International Book Fair comes within the framework of introducing the Emirati cultural heritage and strengthening its presence before an international audience. He noted that the authority's pavilion presents a number of elements of intangible heritage, including "Al Taghrooda" and "Al Shella" — Emirati performing arts linked to the local environment — adding that this participation gives visitors the opportunity to discover aspects of authentic Emirati culture.
The scent of memory
Al Walda Atiqa Abdullah Al Mansouri, participating in the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Heritage pavilion with a display of heritage perfumes and incense, said: "This participation represents an opportunity to introduce one of the authentic components of Emirati heritage, linked to social occasions and weddings." She noted that preserving popular heritage and transmitting it to new generations constitutes a national and cultural responsibility, adding that adherence to Emirati customs and traditions reflects pride in the national identity and a commitment to its continuation from generation to generation.
Al Walda Umm Saqr, one of the craftswomen participating with a display of the Sadu weaving craft and art, expressed her happiness at taking part in the heritage events accompanying the Beijing International Book Fair, affirming that her presence within the Emirati delegation is a source of pride and honour. She noted that the interaction of Chinese visitors with traditional Emirati crafts was remarkable, with many of them showing keen interest in learning about the details of the craft work and taking care to photograph the various stages of producing heritage items.