The Italian Cultural Institute in Abu Dhabi invites you to celebrate the 26th edition of the Week of the Italian Language in the World, an annual initiative promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to showcase the Italian language and culture worldwide.
This year’s theme, “A Brilliant Language: Imagining, Designing and Creating with Italian”, celebrates Italian as a language of creativity, imagination and innovation. Discover our programme of cinema, talks, art and opportunities to practice Italian.
Becaària | Film Screening
Saturday, 17 October 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Italian Cultural Institute Abu Dhabi
Presented in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland to the UAE and Bahrain, Becaària celebrates cinema from Italian-speaking Switzerland. Directed by Erik Bernasconi and featuring an Italian and Swiss cast, this coming-of-age film follows sixteen-year-old Mario through a transformative summer on a mountain farm in 1977 Ticino, exploring first love, family tensions and self-discovery.
Switzerland, 2026 | 108 min
800th Anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi
A Legacy from Assisi to the Emirates
Monday, 19 October 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Italian Cultural Institute Abu Dhabi
Organised with the Embassy of Italy to the UAE and the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, this event explores St. Francis’ contribution to the Italian language and his enduring message of fraternity, peace and dialogue. Discussions will also consider Franciscan spirituality, his legacy in Pope Francis, and the connection between his love of nature and sustainable art.
CONVIVIO Exhibition: From Italian Language to Art
Opening Reception
Wednesday, 21 October 2026 | 6:30 p.m.
Venue: Italian Cultural Institute Abu Dhabi
Discover how Italian words and sounds become works of art. Bringing together 17 international artists residing in the UAE, CONVIVIO presents original artworks created during a one-day residency at the Institute, revealing the Italian language’s ability to inspire creativity across cultures.
Italian Language Day 2026
Thursday, 22 October 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Venue: Atrium, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Campus
Celebrate Italian language and culture at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi with interactive games, a Kahoot quiz, Tombola with prizes, a tiramisu-making workshop, music and Italian food. Activities led by students and faculty bring this year’s theme to life in a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Caffè Italiano | Free Italian Conversation Course
Every Friday | 4:30 p.m. UAE time
Running until 11 December 2026
Venue: Online
Practise your Italian in our free weekly conversation sessions for students of Italian with a minimum B1 level. Meet fellow learners and build confidence through conversation.
To register, email: abudhabiiic.segre@esteri.it
We look forward to celebrating the Italian language with you!