The 57th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair opens on 21 January and runs until 3 February 2026, inviting cultural audiences to what is set to be the largest edition in the fair’s history. Organised by the General Egyptian Book Organization in collaboration with the Egyptian Publishers Association and the Arab Publishers Association, the fair takes place at the Egypt International Exhibition and Conference Centre, reaffirming its status as a global knowledge platform that goes beyond book display to foster intellectual exchange and dialogue.
This year’s fair is held under the slogan “He who stops reading falls centuries behind,” a message that underscores the central role of reading in building societies. Throughout the programme, the fair pays tribute to the legacy of the internationally renowned Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz, who has been named the “Personality of the Fair” on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of his passing. The celebration includes a dedicated hall and an art exhibition titled “Naguib Mahfouz Through the Eyes of the World,” featuring works by artists from different countries in a fresh visual interpretation of his creative universe and enduring human presence across cultures.
The current edition is marked by unprecedented international participation, with 1,457 publishing houses from 83 countries taking part. The total number of exhibitors reaches 6,637 companies and pavilions, giving the fair a distinctly global character and reflecting its growing prominence on the international book fair map. Strong participation by Arab and international publishers stands out, alongside the presence of major international libraries and activities that mirror the diversity and evolving dynamics of the publishing industry.
Romania is the Guest of Honour for this edition, marking 120 years of Egyptian, Romanian diplomatic relations. The Romanian programme features ten publishing houses and around 30 cultural events, with the participation of 60 guests, including 15 artists. A dedicated pavilion and integrated programme highlight cultural exchange between the two countries, strengthening the visibility of Romanian literature and arts for Arab audiences.
The fair’s cultural and intellectual programme includes more than 400 events, ranging from literary, intellectual, and philosophical seminars to 120 artistic activities and 100 book-signing sessions. These events bring together around 170 Arab and international guests and more than 1,500 intellectuals and creatives. The fair also hosts a specialised professional programme featuring leading figures from the global publishing industry, reinforcing its role as a hub for professional development and knowledge sharing.
In its 57th edition, the fair places particular emphasis on youth through a dedicated theme titled “A Generation Writing the World in Its Own Way,” alongside programmes and workshops designed for creators under the age of forty. The Egyptian artist Mohieddin El-Labbad has been chosen as the Personality of the Children’s Book Fair, while the fair launches the “A Library for Every Home” initiative, offering curated book bundles at symbolic prices. In addition, a new Arabic Novel Prize bearing the name of Naguib Mahfouz, valued at EGP 500,000, has been announced, an initiative that reflects the fair’s ambition to entrench reading as an enduring social and intellectual practice.
