The 57th Cairo International Book Fair has attracted more than three million visitors in its first week, Egyptian Culture Minister Ahmed Fouad Hanno announced Wednesday, highlighting the event’s significance as one of the region’s largest cultural gatherings.
On the seventh day alone, roughly 467,512 visitors attended the fair, bringing the cumulative total since its opening to 3,034,030, according to Hanno. “The unprecedented turnout demonstrates the fair’s role as a major cultural event, not just in Egypt but globally,” he said.
The annual fair, which runs from January 21 to February 3 at the Egypt International Exhibitions Center in the Fifth Settlement, is held under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The 2026 edition carries the theme, “He who stops reading for an hour falls centuries behind,” reflecting a renewed emphasis on literacy and the cultural role of books in shaping society.
Romania has been named the guest of honor for this year’s event, which also pays tribute to Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz as its celebrated figure. The fair showcases a mix of Egyptian, Arab, and international literature, offering visitors a wide range of books, cultural activities, and artistic exhibitions.
Minister Hanno noted that the fair provides a platform for diverse cultural expression and interaction, highlighting the importance of literature, art, and intellectual engagement in fostering societal awareness. The event features book launches, panel discussions, seminars, and interactive activities designed to engage readers of all ages, from children to scholars.
Organizers said the fair is designed to strengthen Egypt’s cultural presence on the international stage while promoting domestic publishing and reading habits. It also serves as a hub for authors, publishers, and cultural institutions to network, exchange ideas, and showcase new works.
“The Cairo International Book Fair has grown into a landmark event that attracts both regional and international audiences,” Hanno said. “It not only celebrates literature but also encourages dialogue between cultures and generations.”
In addition to literary offerings, the fair hosts cultural performances, educational workshops, and exhibitions highlighting innovations in the publishing industry. Special pavilions for participating countries provide visitors the chance to explore foreign literature, fostering cross-cultural engagement.
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Egypt’s book fairs have long been celebrated as a symbol of the country’s commitment to literacy and education, and the 2026 edition reflects a continuing effort to make literature accessible to a wider audience. Organizers expect attendance to rise further as the fair continues through its February 3 closing date.
The event also plays a role in stimulating the local economy, with publishers, retailers, and associated service providers benefiting from increased sales and visibility. Officials emphasized the fair’s dual role as both a cultural and economic initiative, positioning Cairo as a key hub for literature and the arts in the Middle East and North Africa.
This year’s celebration of reading comes amid a wider push by the Egyptian government to promote cultural awareness, literacy, and youth engagement through nationwide programs and educational initiatives.
