Additions and innovations

Soha Hesham , Tuesday 21 Jan 2025

Soha Hesham raises the curtain on Egypt’s biggest annual book event

The 56th Cairo International Book Fair

As of tomorrow, the 56th Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF, 23 January-5 February) at Egypt International Exhibitions Centre (EIEC) in New Cairo will be open to the public from 10 am to 8 pm (9 pm on Thursdays and Fridays). Publishers are buzzing with excitement as they unveil their latest titles for the upcoming round of the fair while eager readers draw up wish lists and mark their calendars for important events. This year, the theme is “Read: In the Beginning was the Word,” and the guest of honour is Oman.

Visitors can look forward to an exciting lineup of over 600 cultural events alongside book buying activities, including captivating discussions on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on translation. In addition, this round will unveil a new electronic books platform in partnership with the Ministry of Communications, as well as the debut of the first-ever podcast in collaboration with the National Media Authority.

The Ministry of Culture has also unveiled and launched the ambitious initiative One Million Books, set to distribute a staggering one million books to Egyptians of all ages, covering schools, universities, and youth centres, and spanning an impressive array of subjects including history, science, and art. According to Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hanno, speaking at the press conference announcing CIBF, this is a vital part of the ministry’s broader vision for bolstering Egypt’s soft power and nurturing the minds of future generations.

The book fair features some of 1,345 publishers and official entities from Egypt, the Arab world, and beyond, representing 80 countries, along with 6,150 exhibitors, spread across six giant halls for the first time. Last year’s round boasted over 550 events and attracted some 5.25 million exhibitors, drawing nearly 4.8 million visitors.

At the press conference, the minister of culture also highlighted the choice of Ahmed Mostageer, a pioneer in genetic engineering in Egypt and the Arab world, as the featured personality of the 56th round. Mostageer’s genius has allowed him to combine scientific, literary, and poetic knowledge, offering unique contributions that view science through the eyes of a poet and poetry with the mindset of a scientist, leaving us with a rich legacy in both science and literature. Hanno added that the choice of the esteemed writer Fatima Al-Madoul as the featured personality for the Children’s Book Fair is a recognition of her pioneering role in addressing children’s issues, her forward-thinking perspective on the challenges faced by people with disabilities, and her dedication to serving and educating the young.

The CIBF announced Romania as the guest of honour for the 57th edition and Qatar for the 58th, reflecting the country’s commitment to fostering cultural dialogue with the whole world. The Cairo International Book Fair, one of the largest and oldest in the Arab world, was launched in 1969 during Cairo’s millennial celebration and is organised by the General Egyptian Book Organisation. It attracts millions of visitors annually.  

 


* A version of this article appears in print in the 23 January, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

Short link: