First Yemeni Book Fair in New York 2025 | Literature, Art & Photography Exhibition

The Yemeni community in New York, in collaboration with Anaween Books Publishing & Distribution, is set to organize the First Yemeni Book Fair in New York City — a landmark cultural event accompanied by exceptional art and photography exhibitions. The celebration coincides with the anniversaries of Yemen’s two great revolutions, September 26 and October 14, paying tribute to Yemen’s rich intellectual, literary, and artistic legacy.

Event Highlights

The exhibitions and book fair will open officially on Thursday, September 25, 2025, with a private ceremony, before opening to the public. All cultural and artistic programs will run from Saturday, September 27 to Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Al-Waha Hall in the Bronx, New York.

Visitors will experience a complete cultural journey combining books, lectures, poetry, fine arts, and photography — making it the first event of its kind for the Yemeni diaspora in the U.S.

1. Yemeni Fine Art Exhibition – “Colors of Yemen Light Up New York”

Featuring 46 Yemeni artists from across the country, the exhibition presents paintings that blend tradition with modernity, reflecting the beauty and diversity of Yemen’s civilization. Participating artists include renowned names such as Muzhir Nizar, Dr. Amina Al-Nasiri, Ahlam Baheidel, Ahmed Al-Shallali, Dr. Hamoud Al-Dhubyani, Dr. Arif Sufyan, Saba Faisal, Nasser Abkar, Mohammed Al-Mahdhar, Wisam Al-Ansi, and Dr. Walid Al-Kumani.

2. Yemeni Photography Exhibition

The photography section will showcase works by Abdulrahman Al-Ghabri, Yasser Abdulbaqi, Ammar Khalaf, and Ola Al-Duwali, offering powerful visual narratives of Yemeni history, daily life, and landscapes.

3. Book Fair & Cultural Programs

The book fair includes lectures, book signings, and poetry readings by prominent Yemeni writers and intellectuals:

• Sept 27: Dr. Amin Nuwaiser on Yemeni migration; author Ishraq Al-Hamdani’s poetry reading; novelist Abdulnasir Mujalli’s Mountains of Snow.

• Sept 28: Dr. Ameeda Shaalan on Yemen’s history; author Mohammed Alao on Secrets of Sheba Kings; author Amal Al-Khatib’s Memoirs of a Girl.

• Sept 29: Yemeni-American cultural experiences with Abduljaleel Al-Wafi; poet Safwan Al-Bahri; author Imad Zaid’s literary works.

• Sept 30: Closing ceremony with recognition of participants.

Voices from the Organizers

Ali Abdulatif Al-Saidi, President of the Yemeni Community in New York, expressed pride in hosting this multi-faceted cultural event:“This is more than a book fair — it is a living window into Yemeni thought, creativity, and heritage, held in the heart of New York.”

Saleh Al-Baidani, Director of Anaween Books, added:“Our partnership with the Yemeni community in New York reflects our commitment to amplifying Arab cultural content worldwide.”

Event Details

• Venue: Al-Waha Hall, 1907 White Plains Rd, Bronx, NY 10462

• Visiting Hours: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM daily

• Dates: Sept 27 – Sept 30, 2025

• Programs: Book signings, poetry, lectures, art & photography exhibitions

• Organizer Website: Anaween Books

This landmark fair aims to connect the Yemeni diaspora with their cultural heritage, while showcasing Yemen’s contributions to global art, literature, and thought. It also provides an inspiring platform for Yemeni authors, artists, and photographers to share their creativity with diverse audiences in the U.S.