As the vibrant city of Cairo gears up for the 56th edition of the esteemed Cairo International Book Fair, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and anticipation. From January 23 to February 5, 2025, the Egypt International Exhibition Center transformed into a literary haven, hosting a staggering 1,345 publishing houses from 80 countries and more than six thousand exhibitors.This year’s fair, under the theme “Read… In the beginning was the Word,” promises an eclectic fusion of culture and knowledge exchange
The Sultanate of Oman, honored as the guest of distinction, brings a treasure trove of literary and artistic heritage to the event. Exhibiting an extensive cultural program, Oman’s participation is a testament to its rich history, deeply rooted in the ancient “Magan” civilization mentioned in Mesopotamian cuneiform writings. The Sultanate’s commitment to cultural diplomacy is evident in its diverse offerings, from interactive sessions with Omani poets and artisans to traditional music performances that echo its storied past. This year, Oman’s pavilion in Hall 3 stands as a testament to its architectural heritage, blending traditional Islamic artistry with modern practicality.
Khalfan bin Mohammed Al Abri, Director of the Department of Exhibitions Affairs at Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, shared his insights with The Middle East Observer. “The Cairo International Book Fair is a prestigious global event, drawing over 2 million visitors annually, It’s a pivotal platform for Oman to showcase its cultural, historical, and literary heritage,” he remarked. The Omani booth exclusively features books by Omani writers and highlights the cultural and historical exchanges with Egypt through manuscripts and old books printed in the country. Additionally, the booth promotes Oman’s touristic sites using VR videos, alongside cultural activities such as poetry and singing. Al-Abri emphasizes that the primary goal is cultural exchange rather than sales, aiming to make Omani publications accessible to all. He anticipates major success for the fair, noting increased participation from Arab publishers and extending an invitation to more visitors to experience Oman’s cultural offerings.
Ahmed bin Saud Al Rawahi, Director of the Muscat International Book Fair and Supervisor for the Oman booth at the Cairo International Book Fair, highlights the significance of Oman’s participation as the Guest of Honor in 2025. Oman showcases its rich cultural heritage through a diverse display of books, manuscripts, videos, and traditional costumes. El Rawahi emphasizes the historical and cultural exchanges between Oman and Egypt, which date back to the Pharaonic era. The Omani presence includes contributions from 5 official entities, 4 civil society groups, and 23 publishers, offering historical literature and children’s publications. The goal is to foster cultural connections and make Omani books accessible at reasonable prices. El Rawahi expresses optimism about the success and impact of the fair.
The UAE’s presence at the fair is similarly robust, with institutions such as the National Library and Archives and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation showcasing their initiatives. Khaled Abdel Fatthah Mohamed, a consultant at the foundation, spoke about their mission to bridge cultural gaps and enhance knowledge dissemination. “Our digital knowledge bank, with over 9 million accessible resources, is a cornerstone of our efforts,” he explained. The foundation also promotes creativity through the Dubai International Program for Writing and innovative projects like “A Book in a Few Minutes.”
Mohammed El Mari, representing Qatar’s Ministry of Culture, highlights Qatar’s diverse participation in the Cairo International Book Fair 2025. The Qatari presence includes several publishing houses such as Rosa, Nebrase, and El Watad, showcasing an array of literature, poetry, historical, and children’s books. In addition to books, the booth features handmade artifacts, including jewelry, woodwork, and costumes, attracting visitors interested in both literature and Qatari craftsmanship. Notable publications include a photography book on migrating birds by Gasem Al Baker, as well as works on fine arts and architecture in Qatar. El Mari emphasizes the goals of cultural exchange and sharing Qatar’s historical heritage with a broad audience. Experiencing his first Cairo International Book Fair, he expresses delight at the overwhelming visitor turnout, surpassing his expectations.
Ali El Masoudi, Director at Suad Al-Sabah Publishing House, the Kuwaiti publisher showcases a diverse range, including the sold-out republication of *Arrissalah* magazine and works by Arab writers. They focus on nurturing young talent through competitions in poetry and storytelling. Attracting Egyptian visitors interested in various fields, their goal is to enrich the Arab cultural scene amid globalization challenges. El Masoudi advocates for affordable pricing and broader accessibility, noting the impressive turnout of youth and women.
Rehab Salem, Executive Director at the Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC), highlights their active participation in the Cairo International Book Fair 2025. IDSC showcases publications and research related to Egypt, including their main publication, *Wasf Misr*, which details projects across different governorates. They also present works on economic, industrial, and AI topics. While the books aren’t for sale, visitors can access them via QR codes, reflecting IDSC’s commitment to digital transformation. The booth has attracted many students, drawn by the statistical reports and innovative use of AI in research. IDSC is also advancing digital platforms, like “7ewar,” to facilitate public engagement with the government. Salem notes the high turnout, particularly from the youth, and sees the fair as an excellent opportunity to promote IDSC’s services, focusing on digitization and AI adoption.
Ashraf Osman, manager at Diwan Bookstore, details their participation in the Cairo International Book Fair 2025 with two booths featuring English and Arabic publications. Noting the fair’s vibrant turnout, especially from the youth, Osman observes a shift in visitor preferences towards fiction and mystery novels this year, as opposed to last year’s focus on non-fiction. Diwan aims to make books more affordable, offering discounts of up to 70%, to reach and engage different segments of the Egyptian readership. Osman is optimistic about the fair’s success and anticipates an increase in young visitors in the last 2 days.
As attendees, particularly the youth, flock to the fair to embrace this cultural feast, the event stands as a beacon of literary and cultural exchange. The gathering not only strengthens ties between nations but also enriches the global tapestry of knowledge and creativity. With each passing year, the Cairo International Book Fair continues to be a testament to the enduring power of words and the boundless potential of human imagination.
As attendees, particularly the youth, flock to the fair to embrace this cultural feast, the event stands as a beacon of literary and cultural exchange. The gathering not only strengthens ties between nations but also enriches the global tapestry of knowledge and creativity. With each passing year, the Cairo International Book Fair continues to be a testament to the enduring power of words and the boundless potential of human imagination.
