Bookfairs
Media release on the opening of the Cairo International Book Fair 2025
Under the patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and under the slogan "Read... In the beginning, the 56th Cairo International Book Fair was launched, renewing the covenant with 
millions of visitors who love books and knowledge. The exhibition will be held at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement, combining the fragrance of heritage and future prospects, and will continue its activities from January 23 to February 5.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. Ahmed Hanno, Minister of Culture, in the presence of Abdullah Al-Harrasi, Minister of Information of Oman, guest of honor of the exhibition, Counselor Mahmoud Fawzy, Minister of Parliamentary and Legal Affairs, Minister of Education, Mr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Dr. Osama Al-Azhari, Minister of Awqaf, Dr. Ahmed Bahey El-Din, Chairman of the 
Egyptian General Book Authority, in addition to the heads of sectors of the Ministry of Culture and Dr.Mamdouh Al-Damaty, former Minister of Antiquities. The ministers inspected the official pavilions of foreign and Arab countries, in addition to the pavilions of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Interior, the Egyptian General Book Authority, and the Halayeb and Shalateen pavilion.
One of the highlights of this year is the launch of the "One Million Book Initiative" launched by the Ministry of Culture with the aim of promoting cultural awareness and supporting knowledge justice. The initiative aims to distribute one million books to various institutions and ministries concerned with human building and the dissemination of culture, and this project is a tangible step towards achieving Egypt's Vision 2030. The Kitab app was also announced, which represents a quantum leap in the digital transformation of the exhibition, giving the public the opportunity to explore publishers' publications electronically. Sultanate of Oman is the guest of honour The Sultanate of Oman is the guest of honor at the 56th edition, where its pavilion is designed in a distinctive way that reflects the rich Omani culture and history of this country and offers a rich cultural program that showcases the features of the ancient Omani heritage. The program includes seminars on Egyptian-Omani relations and others that shed light on contemporary Omani literature. This presence highlights the importance of cultural exchange between Arab countries and its role in promoting civilizational communication.
The name of the Egyptian scientist and thinker Dr. Ahmed Mustagir was also chosen as the personality of this year's exhibition, which combined the precision of science with the beauty of poetry, as he left a rich scientific and literary legacy, ranging from his writings on genetics to his philosophical and scientific translations. As well as choosing the name of the Egyptian writer Fatima Al-Maadoul, to be the personality of this year's Children's Book Fair, who enriched Arab children's literature with her various works and educational initiatives that extended to include children with special needs.
About the exhibition
The exhibition is held on an area of 55 thousand square meters, with a total area of (6) galleries, including (5) exhibition halls and a hall for discounted books, and the number of publishers and official Egyptian, Arab and foreign bodies participating to 1345 publishing houses, from 80 countries from different countries of the world, including 10 countries for the first time, an increase of 145 publishers from the last session, and the number of exhibitors is 6150 exhibitors this year.
To facilitate the experience of visiting the 56th edition of the fair, the Egyptian General Book Organization (EGPC) provides a range of integrated services through its digital platform, including the possibility for visitors to obtain entry tickets to the Cairo International Book Fair through electronic payment applications.
The Authority has also fully completed the digital transformation process, as it has started providing a subscription service to publishers through the digital platform, allowing them to apply for the exhibition easily, upload the data of participating publishing houses and books, and pay the subscription fees electronically.
Mr. Mohamed Rashad stated that the Arab Publishers` Association represents the main partner in organizing the exhibition through its representation in the Supreme Administrative Committee, where the Association works to facilitate the participation of Arab publishers, who number more than 250 Arab publishing houses. Rashad added: "The Association always seeks to be a major supporter of Arab publishers, especially in major events such as the Cairo International Fair."
The General Book Authority, in close cooperation between it and the Arab Publishers` Association, has granted a special discount to the members of the Association at a maximum price of $ 140, while the announced price is $ 220 per meter.
Rashad praised the continuous support of the Egyptian government for the success of this cultural event, pointing to the allocation of a new hall for discounted books that includes the pavilion of "Sur Al-Azbakeya" and books at prices that suit all groups. A bag of 25 books was also offered at a symbolic price of just EGP 100, reflecting the Ministry of Culture's commitment to supporting reading for all.
Cultural Program
The cultural program of the 56th session of the Cairo International Book Fair reflects Egypt's distinguished position in human civilization, as it includes a wide range of events that are held throughout the days of the fair in 6 dedicated halls, in addition to a full hall dedicated to children's books and activities, and places dedicated to free arts, as the Cairo International Book Fair pays special attention to children, as it offers a comprehensive cultural program aimed at instilling a love of reading and national awareness among the younger generations. The program includes art and interactive workshops and theatrical performances aimed at children, including those with special abilities.
The Cairo International Book Fair 2025 is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the book and the word, and to promote cultural dialogue between peoples, as the past meets the present on a journey towards a brighter future.
Dr. Mohammed Saleh Al-Maalij
Chairman of the Media and Public Relations Committee