A delegation from the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, led by Dr Ali bin Tamim, has held discussions in the Republic of North Macedonia on opportunities for academic and cultural cooperation, as part of preparations for the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026. The fair is due to take place at ADNEC Abu Dhabi from 13 to 18 September 2026 and is intended to showcase the region’s rich civilisational, linguistic, literary and artistic diversity.
Academic cooperation and language teaching
During its visit to Skopje, the delegation explored ways to strengthen partnerships with educational and cultural institutions, with a particular focus on supporting Arabic language teaching at universities, encouraging translation and publishing, and cooperating on the preservation and digitisation of documentary heritage.
The visit began at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, where Dr Ali bin Tamim met Dr Vladimir Martinovski, Dean of the Faculty of Philology. The two discussed ways to enhance academic cooperation between the university and the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, develop academic exchange programmes, and possibly establish an academic track for teaching Arabic at the university.
Cultural partnerships for ADIBF 2026
Dr Ali bin Tamim also met Maria Gjorgova, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of North Macedonia, to discuss strengthening cultural cooperation. The talks covered encouraging Macedonian publishers to take part in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026, as well as the participation of Macedonian museums and cultural institutions in the fair.
The discussions further addressed expanding the exchange of translation and publishing rights, and increasing the involvement of Macedonian cultural institutions in the programmes and events of Days of Arabic.
Showcasing North Macedonian heritage
As part of efforts to highlight the civilisational and cultural heritage of the Republic of North Macedonia, the delegation visited the Archaeological Museum in Skopje, where it met Magdalena Manaskova, the museum’s director, and viewed its collections. The museum is considered one of the country’s most prominent cultural landmarks.