The International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL) is set to welcome France as Guest of Honour for its 2026 edition, taking place from May 1 to 10, in a distinguished cultural presence that reflects the depth of literary ties between the two countries. France’s participation unfolds through a rich and carefully curated programme featuring 15 prominent authors and 125 cultural events, further reinforcing the fair’s stature as a vibrant platform for dialogue and intellectual exchange. This edition is expected to attract a broad audience of readers and publishing professionals, drawn by the diversity of its themes and offerings. France’s selection as Guest of Honour also signals a shared commitment to strengthening cultural bridges between Europe and the Arab world.
France’s pavilion places particular emphasis on youth and emerging audiences, in alignment with the 2025-2026 cultural season led by the French Institute in Morocco. The programme features live literary encounters with an esteemed group of writers, including Annie Ernaux, alongside innovative artistic exhibitions, most notably “Floating Cities,” an immersive visual experience. The pavilion also presents a curated selection of graphic novels, announcements of literary awards, and a series of interactive workshops open to all age groups, with a clear focus on nurturing a lasting culture of reading among younger generations.
Alongside its public-facing programme, the fair devotes significant space to publishing professionals and industry stakeholders. A series of specialised sessions will be held on May 8 and 9, bringing together 21 leading figures representing key French cultural institutions, including the France Livre, the National Book Center, and the French Institute, in addition to eight publishers. For the first time, the fair introduces a dedicated hub for these participants, designed to foster professional partnerships and facilitate the exchange of expertise, an initiative that supports the development of the publishing ecosystem and broadens prospects for international collaboration.
Complementing the French presence, an off-site artistic programme titled “Outside the Walls” will unfold across several districts of Rabat, extending the fair’s cultural footprint into the city. This is accompanied by 45 digital workshops, 20 roundtable discussions, and 19 author signings and literary encounters. The 2026 edition also pays tribute to the legacy of Ibn Battuta, spotlighting travel literature as a bridge between cultures. With a record participation expected, 61 countries and 891 exhibitors, the fair will showcase over 130,000 titles and more than 3 million books, further cementing Rabat’s status as a prominent global hub for publishing and cultural exchange.
