Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly inaugurated the 55th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair on Thursday, January 25, 2024, amid an overwhelming public turnout on its first day.

Dr. Nevine El Kilany, Minister of Culture, commended the substantial turnout, noting that it reflects the Egyptian people’s recognition of the value of knowledge and the positive impact of culture and arts on the awareness of future generations. She expressed optimism about the ongoing edition of the fair, anticipating exceptional interest and public engagement. The minister emphasized the ministry’s commitment to pressing ahead with its enlightening mission and the pursuit of cultural equity for all.

Dr. Ahmed Bahi El Din, Chairman of the Egyptian General Book Authority, expressed his delight at the substantial public turnout on the inaugural day of the book fair, reflecting the Egyptian people’s eagerness to acquire knowledge amid the prevailing challenges. Emphasizing the commitment to offering top-notch cultural services, he affirmed the ongoing efforts to cater to the fair’s audience throughout its current edition, in alignment with the state’s overarching goal of the building and development of the Egyptian personality.

Running until February 6, this year’s edition is held under the theme “We Create Knowledge, We Preserve the Word”. The two-week event, organised by the Egyptian General Book Authority, is taking place at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre, with the Kingdom of Norway is being this year’s Guest of Honour.

Pioneer Egyptologist Selim Hassan has been named the fair’s Personality, while Egyptian writer Yachoub El Sharony, one of the pioneers of children’s literature across the Arab world, has been chosen the personality of the year at the Children’s Book Fair.