The Egyptian General Book Organization has organized this edition under the theme “Read … In the Beginning Was the Word.”

This year, the book fair promises a rich literary and cultural experience. It will bring together 1,345 publishing houses from 80 countries and host over 6,000 exhibitors.  

Booking tickets online
 

The ticket price is only EGP 5 per entry. Tickets can be booked online via the official fair platform or purchased on-site at ticket booths near the entrance. 

Honouring distinguished personalities
 

The fair highlights leading figures' contributions to literature and culture every year.

This year, Dr. Ahmed Mustagir, a biologist, poet, and pioneer in biotechnology, has been chosen as the Personality of the Fair for his scientific and literary achievements.

Known for seamlessly blending the precision of science with the beauty of poetry, Dr. Mustagir left a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

Children’s books
 

Fatima Al-Maadoul, a celebrated children’s writer, takes centre stage in the Children’s Book Fair.

With over 50 books and numerous theatrical productions, Al-Maadoul has dedicated her career to shaping young minds through literature and the arts.

Her workshops, plays, and initiatives have significantly contributed to children’s literature in Egypt and the Arab world.

Book fair calendar
 

1. Main Hall (Ahmed Mustajir Hall)

It focuses on four main themes:

• Reading the Future: Exploring future cultural trends;

• Exhibition Personalities: Seminars celebrating Dr. Ahmed Mustajir and writer Fatima Al-Maadoul;

• Strategic Issues: Discussions on proposed strategies for Arab and international cultural challenges;

• With Thought: Intellectual discussions on various global and local topics.

2. International Hall

This is dedicated to global cultural exchange through four themes:

• Cultural Experiences: Insights from international intellectuals from countries like China, Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Portugal;

• Book and Awards: Celebrations of Egyptian writers who won awards in 2024;

• Guest of Honour: Seminars highlighting the cultural and artistic heritage of this year’s Guest of Honour;

• Cultural Diplomacy: Seminars by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the role of culture in diplomacy.

3. Cultural Salon Hall

It is focused on intellectual dialogue, covering four topics:

• Egyptian Personalities: Celebrating influential Egyptian figures;

• Egyptian Influences: Discussions on Egypt’s impact on global culture;

• Arab Days - "Our Culture in…": Daily dialogues between representatives of two Arab countries;

• Cultural Days: Thematic cultural celebrations.

4. Intellect and Creativity Hall

It offers daily presentations and discussions of three new publications featuring authors and intellectuals.

5. Poetry Diwan Hall

• It hosts two poetry evenings daily, featuring Egyptian, Arab, and international poets.

• It includes intellectual discussions on issues surrounding poetry in Egypt, the Arab world, and beyond.

6. Institutions Hall

These are seminars organized by official and civil institutions, offering diverse cultural and intellectual topics.

7. Exhibition Hall

It focuses on four significant themes:

• Translation into Arabic: Discussions on expanding Arabic translations of global literature;

• Egyptianism: Celebrating Egypt’s cultural identity and heritage;

• Cultural Heritage: Highlighting efforts to preserve and promote heritage;

• Poetic Creativity Forum: A space for exploring new poetic voices and styles.

8. Signature Ceremony Hall

• It hosts book signing ceremonies for Egyptian and Arab writers, intellectuals, and creators.

Other Highlights:

• Workshops: Interactive storytelling, writing, and craft activities for children and adults;

• Children’s Activities: Theatrical performances, storytelling, and musical events to engage young minds;

• Hall 6 - Discounted Books: A new hall featuring reduced-price books for all visitors.

 The Million Books initiative
 

A key highlight of this year’s fair is the "Million Books" initiative, launched by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture.

This initiative aims to enhance cultural awareness by distributing one million books in various fields of knowledge for all age groups across Egypt.

The participating institutions include the National Centre for Translation, the General Authority for Cultural Palaces, and the Egyptian General Book Authority.

Bridging past and future
 

The Cairo International Book Fair has a rich history dating back to 1969 when it was established as part of Cairo’s millennium celebrations.

Tharwat Okasha conceived the idea, then the minister of culture and Sohair El-Qalamawy, who supervised its first edition.

The fair began as a small event and has since grown into one of the largest book fairs in the world, second only to the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Today, it attracts over two million visitors annually, reflecting its global appeal.

English-language titles
 

At the AUC Press and Bookstores stand at CIBF, Hall 2, Stand B47, readers can find a wide selection of English-language books at discounted prices starting from 20 percent and going up to 75 percent on books that cater to different age groups.

AUC Press will offer a special selection of more than 240 titles at great discounts, starting at 30 EGP.

The kid's section will also have a large collection of children's books, including educational books, activity books, stories, colouring books, and more.

Diwan's lineup
 

Diwan Publishing House has curated an exceptional selection of literary works in Arabic and English, coinciding with the 56th CIBF. The selection can be found in Hall 1, Stand A14. 

The publishing house has curated a list of new releases across various genres and the re-publication of works by renowned Egyptian authors, such as Dr. Mustafa Mahmoud, Ahmed Bahgat, Youssef El-Sebai, and Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz.

New releases
 

Diwan Publishing House has introduced several noteworthy novels this year:

• "The Law of Following the Dead" by Yasmin Said El-Gohary: A thought-provoking story about people knowing the exact dates of their deaths and how they approach life as their end nears;

• "Asha: The Scarab and the Moon" by Samar Nour: A mesmerizing tale set in ancient Nubia, where a girl named Asha, born amid legends and curses, embarks on an extraordinary journey;

• "Against Love with Women" by Mohamed Jafar: Set in the coastal city of Mostaganem, the novel follows a writer navigating isolation and enigmatic encounters with women as he battles writer's block;

• "The Big Night" by Mohamed El-Fouli: Blending satire and fantasy, this novel centres around a flying saucer landing in a neglected slum, creating a blue dome that alters the fate of its inhabitants;

• "The Eleven" by Ahmed Al-Qarmalawi: A fascinating narrative inspired by the biblical tale of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, combining mythology and drama in a richly imagined world;

• "Mimi Shakib" by Mohamed El-Shamaa: A captivating biography of the iconic actress, delving into her mysterious life and controversies;

• "Egyptology" by Dr. Monica Hanna: Published in both Arabic and English, this book provides a comprehensive perspective on Egyptology, linking ancient Egypt to its modern legacy.

Reprints and translations
 

The publishing house has reprinted beloved works by Youssef El-Sebai, including The Water Seller is Dead, I Shall Depart, The Land of Hypocrisy, and Between the Ruins.

It has also expanded its Naguib Mahfouz collection and continued its series on Dr. Mustafa Mahmoud, featuring titles like Opium and The Circus of Political Games.

Notable translations include Herman Melville’s Bartleby, the Scrivener and The Memoirs of Chicorel.

The selection also includes poetry (Too Late by Mohamed Abu Zaid), children’s books (Marwa El-Shazly's colouring series), and history (Cairo: A Photographic Memory by Dr. Khaled Azab).

Diwan’s commitment to enriching literary culture is further evident in its titles, which include self-help books, historical biographies, and travel literature.

Moreover, Diwan partnered with Al-Mahrousa Publishing House to release Miramar, a graphic novel based on Naguib Mahfouz's renowned novel.

The CIBF will display all these titles and many more Arabic and English titles for visitors daily from 8am to 8pm.