The Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF) is eagerly anticipated by millions of book lovers every year. The 57th edition of the book fair will take place at Egypt’s International Exhibition Center (EIEC) from January 21 to February 3. The fair features a diverse book selection with different languages and genres, drawing visitors of all backgrounds and age groups. Here’s everything you should know about this year’s edition:
Opening Hours and Access Details
The fair’s opening ceremony is scheduled for January 21, with doors opening to the public on January 22. Visitors can attend from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, with extended hours until 9:00 PM on weekends. To streamline entry and reduce congestion at the gates, tickets will be available online via the fair’s official website. In collaboration with the event, the Ministry of Culture has arranged a public transportation network across Cairo, operating seven bus routes that provide direct access to the Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC) in Fifth Settlement.
Romania as Guest of Honor
During the book fair’s press conference, Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hanno announced Romania as the fair’s guest of honor for the year. Romania will present an extensive cultural program focused on contemporary literature, translations, cultural dialogue, and academic cooperation. The program will include around 30 events, bringing together 60 participants from Romania and abroad.
Honoring Notable Figures
Marking the 20th anniversary of his passing, the conference announced Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz as the Fair Personality as well as launching of the Naguib Mahfouz Prize for Arabic Fiction which will be awarded during the closing ceremony.
The fair will also feature the artist Mohi Eldin Ellabbad as personality of the Children’s Exhibition in recognition of his pioneering contributions in the field of children’s book illustration and his role in shaping visual awareness through generations.
This year’s fair stands out as a must-visit highlight on Cairo’s cultural calendar. Whether you’re a devoted book lover, a family seeking a meaningful day out, or simply curious to discover what’s new and inspiring, the fair offers an experience worth visiting.
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