The General Egyptian Book Organisation (GEBO) has revealed the poster of the 44th Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF), which will be held between 23 January-5 February 2013.

The poster comes with a subtle change in the famous iconic Egyptian writer figure, inherited from Ancient Egyptian civilisation. The poster shows the writer holding his book up high, instead down in his lap, as usual. 

Officials at GEBO told Ahram Online that the change in the poster does not reflect a new strategy or orientation exactly, but suggests that writers are looking forward to a new era.

The Egyptian writer is also the symbol of GEBO. Director of GEBO Ahmed Megahed told Ahram Online that the change on the poster does not apply to the organisation’s symbol.

GEBO has been the official sponsor and organiser of the CIBF for many years, but after the January 25 Revolution, the Egyptian Publishers Union partnered with GEBO in organising the fair.

GEBO will hold a press conference at its headquarters Tuesday, 15 January, to reveal details of the 44th CIBF. This year's theme is “Dialogue not Clash."

It’s not known yet if the fair will close during the second anniversary of the January 25 Revolution or not. Last year the fair closed during the anniversary for security reasons. The fair was not held in 2011.

Libya also will be this year’s guest of honour, instead of India, which turned down the offer because the event clashes with the New Delhi World Book Fair, which will open 4 February 2013, according to a press release by GEBO.

Tunisia was the guest of honour in 2012.

GEBO said it has devoted 200 square metres to the Libyan wing in the main hall of the fair, and 1000 square metres for the open exhibition.

The Egyptian writer