Egypt on Tuesday inaugurated the 57th Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF) under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly opening the event on behalf of the president at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo.
Running until February 3, 2026, the fair is the largest edition in its history, bringing together 1,457 publishing houses from 83 countries and more than 6,600 exhibitors, reinforcing Cairo’s position as a leading cultural capital in the Arab world and the wider region.
Culture, Awareness, and Inclusive Development
In official remarks during the opening, the prime minister highlighted the continued development of the Cairo International Book Fair and its role in promoting intellectual awareness, dialogue, and cultural engagement. The fair’s expansion in scale and diversity reflects Egypt’s broader emphasis on culture as a key element of national development and soft power.
This year’s edition carries the theme “Whoever stops reading for an hour falls centuries behind,” a quote by Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz, who was named Personality of the Fair. The Children’s Book Fair honors artist Mohieddin El-Labbad, while Romania participates as Guest of Honor.
Visible Role of Women and the National Council for Women
Women’s participation and empowerment feature prominently across this year’s fair, particularly through the active presence of the National Council for Women (NCW). Counselor Amal Ammar, President of the NCW, took part in the opening ceremony and welcomed the prime minister during his tour of the council’s pavilion.
The NCW’s participation focuses on highlighting state efforts to support women’s intellectual, cultural, and economic empowerment, and to integrate women more fully into Egypt’s cultural and knowledge-based initiatives.
Daily Activities Supporting Women’s Empowerment
Throughout the duration of the fair, the NCW pavilion is hosting daily cultural seminars and discussions addressing issues related to:
- Women’s access to knowledge and culture
- Intellectual and creative empowerment
- Economic participation and sustainable livelihoods
- Social challenges facing Egyptian women
These activities align with the fair’s broader mission of expanding access to knowledge and encouraging inclusive cultural participation across society.
Women Across Publishing, Creativity, and Cultural Dialogue
Women’s contributions are visible throughout the fair’s broader program, including publishing, authorship, academic research, and artistic expression. Female writers, editors, scholars, and cultural practitioners from Egypt and abroad are participating in panel discussions, book signings, and thematic forums.
Initiatives such as “A Library for Every Home,” the Children’s Pavilion, and heritage-focused exhibits further emphasize the role of women within families and communities as key partners in promoting reading, education, and cultural continuity.
A Platform for Inclusive Cultural Exchange
With Romania as Guest of Honor, the fair also highlights international cultural cooperation, including exchanges in literature, translation, and the arts. The diverse program reflects the fair’s growing role as a platform for inclusive cultural dialogue that addresses contemporary social issues alongside literary and intellectual production.
A Fair Reflecting Egypt’s Cultural Priorities
As the 57th Cairo International Book Fair continues, it stands as a reflection of Egypt’s commitment to culture, education, and societal awareness—while underscoring the expanding role of women as participants, contributors, and leaders within the country’s cultural landscape.
