Cairo book fair set to open with record participation

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 13 January 2026 |  JP Middle East Desk

The 57th Cairo International Book Fair runs Jan 21-Feb 3, 2026 in New Cairo, featuring 1,457 publishers from 83 countries and 6,637 exhibitors. Romania is guest of honor and Naguib Mahfouz was named Personality of the Year.

Summary

CAIRO — The 57th Cairo International Book Fair is scheduled to open on January 21, 2026, with public access beginning January 22. The annual event, one of the largest cultural gatherings in the Middle East, will run through February 3 at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo, with Romania serving as the guest of honor. Egyptian Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno highlighted the fair’s expanded programming and international reach during a press briefing.

The event will feature 1,457 publishing houses from 83 countries, with a total of 6,637 exhibitors participating. Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz has been designated Personality of the Year, and artist Mohie Eddin al-Labbad will be the central figure for the Children’s Book Fair segment.

International cultural exchange takes center stage

The fair’s cultural program will include around 400 events, including book signings, literary discussions, and artistic performances. Approximately 1,500 authors, thinkers, and artists from across the Arab world and internationally are expected to attend, reflecting the fair’s role as a platform for dialogue on literature and cultural exchange.

The event also includes professional programming to facilitate intellectual property rights exchanges among publishers and showcases leading cultural figures in Egypt’s literary heritage.

Regional significance and future outlook

Romania’s role as guest of honor coincides with celebrations of the 120th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Egypt and Romania. Officials also announced that Qatar will be the guest of honor for the 2027 edition as part of the Egypt-Qatar Year of Culture. The expanded participation and international partnerships underscore the fair’s importance in fostering regional cultural cooperation and supporting dialogue among publishers and cultural institutions.

Analysts say the event remains a key venue for the regional publishing industry and cultural diplomacy, providing both a showcase for new works and a forum for discussions on freedom of expression and access to knowledge.

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting based on Daily News Egypt and official press statements from the Egyptian Ministry of Culture.

PHOTO: AI-generated; for illustrative purposes only.

KEY POINTS:

• The fair runs Jan 21-Feb 3, 2026, at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo.
• As many as 1,457 publishing houses from 83 countries and 6,637 exhibitors will participate.
• Romania will be the guest of honor, coinciding with diplomatic celebrations, and strengthened international cultural ties.
• Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz named Personality of the Year; Mohie Eddin al-Labbad highlighted for Children's Book Fair.
• Around 400 events, including signings, discussions, and performances, with about 1,500 authors attending.
• Intellectual property exchanges for publishers and showcases of Egypt's literary heritage.