The 56th Cairo International Book Fair Starts From January 24
Under the theme “Read… In the Beginning Was the Word,” the 56th Cairo International Book Fair will be held from Jan. 24 to Feb. 5, 2025, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center. The Sultanate of Oman is the Guest of Honor for this year’s edition, while the late academic and intellectual Dr. Ahmed Mostagir has been named the Personality of the Year of the Fair. It also announced that author Fatima Al-Maadoul was chosen the Personality of the Children’s Book Fair.
The Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno confirmed that the Fair is a cultural celebration combining the richness of history, the authenticity of culture and the variety of creativity. It is a space of cultural dialogue, intellectual exchange and meeting between Nations, through which Egypt seeks to establish a mission to strengthen cultural identity and enrich the Arab and international cultural scene. Visitors will be able to delve into their cultural legacy, learn about cutting-edge literary and intellectual developments, and encounter different cultural viewpoints that draw attention to exactions in the social and humanitarian fields.
Minister Hanno also announced the selection of the Guest of Honor countries for the next two editions of the Fair: Romania for the 57th edition in 2026 and Qatar for the 58th edition in 2027, presenting a first in the history of the Fair. The Minister also launched the “Million Books Initiative” led by the Ministry of Culture in all its publishing sectors, which seeks to spread cultural and intellectual awareness within the society.
This year’s edition covers 55,000 square meters across six exhibition halls. A total of 1,345 publishers and official bodies from 80 countries will also be represented, featuring an abundance of diverse literary and intellectual work. At 6,150 exhibitors, the Fair is well ahead of 6,050 for its last edition.
Over 600 events are scheduled across the Fair’s cultural program, including literary seminars, intellectual discussions, artistic performances and more, featuring leading minds and creators from around the world. Other highlights include a new discounted book exhibition hall, an “Institutions Hall” for sessions by official and non-governmental organizations, and a special “Publications Hall” for discussions on the Egyptian General Book Authority’s series.
