Monday, 25 May 2026
Cairo Book Fair 2026 names Romania Guest of Honour
Egypt's Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno, unveiled plans for the 57th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair, set to take place from January 21 to February 3, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo. The fair is poised to be the largest in its history, marking a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange and literary achievement.
This year’s edition will honor Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz as the Fair’s main personality, while acclaimed artist Mohieddin El Labbad will be celebrated as the Children’s Book Fair Personality. Notably, Romania has been chosen as Guest of Honour, highlighting a special focus on Egyptian-Romanian cultural ties as the countries prepare to commemorate 120 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.
Minister Henno emphasized the historic scale of this edition, featuring participation from 1,457 publishing houses representing 83 countries, and hosting over 6,600 exhibitors. The Fair will present a packed schedule of 400 cultural events, 100 book signings, and 120 artistic presentations, with the involvement of more than 170 distinguished Arab and international guests—including renowned writers, poets, academics, and the heads of major publishing associations.
“Inspired by Egypt’s creative legacy, this year we will offer an exceptional and distinctly Egyptian edition, fostering dialogue and enlightenment on a global stage,” said Minister Henno. He added that the Fair’s identity has been particularly shaped by Egypt’s recent opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, reasserting Egyptian heritage at the forefront of world attention.
For the first time, the Children’s Book Fair will highlight illustrator Mohieddin El Labbad, celebrating his imaginative artistry through specialized seminars, exhibitions, and interactive workshops.
A key innovation this year is the launch of the “Library for Every Home” initiative, designed to reintegrate books into daily Egyptian life—offering curated collections of Egyptian literature, including a special set of Mahfouz’s outstanding works to promote nationwide reading.
The Fair will also introduce the inaugural Naguib Mahfouz Prize for Arabic Novel, awarding 500,000 Egyptian pounds and a gold medal to a top Arabic novelist, a significant addition to the region’s literary awards.
Romanian Ambassador to Cairo, Olivia Toderean, expressed pride in Romania’s selection as Guest of Honour. "This opportunity allows Romania to connect meaningfully with Egyptian audiences through 30 literary and artistic events, and places our cultural exchange at the heart of one of the Arab world’s most influential gatherings," she said.
Throughout the 13 days, the Fair will host numerous high-profile international events, including a major Africa-focused conference, artistic performances, and an expansive program for young readers and professionals in the publishing industry. In celebration of Egyptian cinema, a gala will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the famed director Youssef Chahine.
Significantly, this edition will deepen professional exchanges by facilitating copyright sales and cooperation between Egyptian and international publishers, further establishing Cairo as a major regional and global publishing hub.
Last year’s Fair attracted over five million visitors, making it one the world’s most attended cultural events. Organizers expect to surpass this figure in 2026, driven by its inclusive programming and a reaffirmed belief in the role of culture in fostering dialogue and understanding.
The Cairo International Book Fair remains a cornerstone for the promotion of literature, intercultural dialogue, and innovation in the Arab world and beyond—offering a platform where the word truly meets humanity.