Cairo Intl Book Fair Draws Over 400,000 Attendees on Opening Day

The first day of the Cairo International Book Fair on January 25th saw 400,942 attendees, as announced by the Ministry of Culture. Taking place at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre in New Cairo, visitors were able to explore cultural and artistic activities, purchase books on a wide range of topics, and enjoy the fair’s diverse offerings. The fair is attracting Egyptian families, as well as Arab and international visitors, drawn by the opportunity to engage with both local and global literary traditions.

This year, the Ministry of Culture launched the ‘Million Books’ initiative, aiming to donate one million books to various regions across Egypt, targeting different age groups and categories. The initiative is designed to enhance public awareness and cognitive skills, making literature more accessible to a wider audience.

The fair features 1,345 publishing houses from 80 countries and 6,150 exhibitors, reflecting its growing international significance. New participants include Chile, Belgium, Congo, Bulgaria and Austria, adding to the event’s cultural diversity. The Sultanate of Oman is the guest of honour for this edition, and Egyptian scholar Ahmed Mostagir has been named the fair's personality of the year. Children’s book writer Fatima Al-Maadoul is also recognised as the Children’s Fair personality.

The fair’s theme, ‘Read… In the Beginning Was the Word’, inspired by Islamic and Christian scripture, underscores the importance of reading as a means of knowledge and creativity. As part of its cultural program, the fair offers over 600 events, including lectures, discussions and artistic performances.

The Cairo International Book Fair is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with extended hours until 9:00 PM on Thursdays and Fridays, and will run until February 5th. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities across various halls, including the Main Hall, the International Hall, the Cultural Salon, the Thought and Creativity Hall, the Poetry Hall and the Presentation Hall, as well as a dedicated children’s area and numerous artistic events.