A Cultural Tribute Amid Strengthening Lebanese Emirati Ties
Abu Dhabi, May 2025 – In a moment of cultural and diplomatic significance, Dar Sader — the oldest continuously operating publishing house in the Arab world — was officially honored at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025. The recognition came through a formal invitation from the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. The honor coincided with an official visit by the President of Lebanon and the Lebanese Minister of Culture to the United Arab Emirates, underscoring a renewed era of cultural cooperation and strong bilateral relations between Lebanon and the UAE. Against this backdrop, Dar Sader’s tribute stood not only as a celebration of a 160-year publishing legacy, but also as a testament to the deep literary and historical bonds that connect both nations.
The ceremony included a tribute video, produced by the Centre, retracing Dar Sader’s journey since its founding in Beirut in 1863, and highlighting key milestones, renowned authors, and publications that helped shape Arabic intellectual life. Following the screening, a speech was delivered, and a commemorative trophy was presented to the house. Other leading Arab publishers were also recognized during the event including Dar al Maarif established in Egypt in 1890 and whose founder was also of Lebanese origin. As part of this year’s cultural programming, Dar Sader was invited to exhibit a rare selection of historical and contemporary titles from its archives in the “Founoun” section of the fair — a museum-style installation showcasing rare texts in glass cases. The display included original Dar Sader editions of Alf Layla wa Layla (1926), Kalila wa Dimna (1912), and classical works by Al-Mutanabbi (1912), some dating back over a century — offering visitors a tangible journey through the evolution of Arabic literature from Beirut to the world.
Dar Sader also participated in a major panel discussion entitled “From Beirut to the World: Dar Sader and the Publishing of Arabic Literature Since 1863.” Nabil Sader, CEO and fourth-generation publisher, reflected on the house’s origins:
“My great-grandfather Ibrahim Sader came from Darb el Sim to Beirut and opened a bookshop. In its early days, he sold rosaries and prayer books before expanding into literature. Around the same era, AUB and USJ were founded, which sparked a cultural renaissance in Beirut increasing the demand for books.”
He also shared archival materials referencing Ibrahim Sader as one of the city’s first booksellers: “To quote Louis Cheikho from the book Histoire des Littératures Arabes (1991): On the 9th of May 1915, in Beirut, died the very first bookseller & publisher of the city, Ibrahim Sader. He started his business in 1863, serving it for more than fifty years, during which he put Arab imprints and rare printed works at the disposal of the people of Beirut in general, and the young in particular”.
Sarah Sader, PR & Communications Manager and fifth-generation representative, spoke about the evolution of book marketing:
“In the 1800s, Dar Sader was distributing books from Beirut to Cairo, Jerusalem, Aleppo, Constantinople, and beyond. Long before ‘marketing’ was even a word, our ancestors were doing it with pride, precision, and an eye for legacy – from brochures and publications penned since 1863, to stamps and customer testimonials featured in our yearly catalogues, much like today’s Google reviews.” She concluded: “Whether in 1863 or in the age of AI, Dar Sader’s mission remains the same: to publish, to preserve, and to share Arabic literary heritage from Beirut to the world”. Cultural thinker Georges Abi Saleh, Secretary General of the Antelias Cultural Movement, brought historical depth to the panel, emphasizing how the enduring presence of Dar Sader — despite Lebanon’s wars and crises — is a powerful symbol of cultural resilience.
Throughout the week, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre extended warm and exceptional hospitality to Dar Sader. From the official invitation to curated cultural engagements — including a visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — the gesture reflected the UAE’s commitment to honoring Arab heritage with generosity and vision. Dar Sader’s participation and recognition in Abu Dhabi mark a new chapter in its mission: to carry forward a legacy of Arabic publishing that bridges generations, nations, and worlds.
About Dar Sader
Founded in Beirut in 1863, Dar Sader is the oldest publishing house in the Arab world. For over 160 years, it has been a cornerstone of Arabic literary and cultural heritage, publishing some of the most significant works in the Arab canon. From Lisan al-Arab and Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh to Kitab al-Aghani and Alf Layla wa Layla, Dar Sader has safeguarded and shared the region’s literary treasures across generations.
Dar Sader specializes in classical Arabic literature, poetry, and historical reference works, maintaining a catalog that reflects intellectual depth and literary excellence. Its commitment to preserving the richness of Arab culture has made it a trusted name for scholars, poets, and readers across the Arab world.
Rooted in Lebanon, Dar Sader remains a beacon of cultural continuity—honoring the past while inspiring the literary future of the Arab world.
Dar Sader Honored at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025
