Rabat's International Book and Publishing Fair: A Celebration of Literature and Culture
On April 30, 2026, the 31st edition of the International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL) was inaugurated in Rabat by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan. This much-anticipated event will take place from May 1 to May 10 at the OLM-Souissi building. This year's fair is particularly significant as it coincides with Rabat's designation as the UNESCO World Book Capital for 2026. This prestigious title recognizes the Moroccan capital as a center for knowledge and literature this year.
Under the theme "Ibn Battuta and the Narrative of Travel," the fair focuses on the renowned 14th-century explorer, promoting values such as intercultural understanding and peace. According to the organizers, a total of 891 exhibitors from 60 countries, including 321 direct participants, will showcase a collection of over 130,000 titles and approximately 3 million books.
One of the highlights of SIEL 2026 is the participation of the French Republic as the partner country, which underscores the vibrant dynamics of the bilateral relationship between Rabat and Paris. In addition to commercial booths, the fair features an extensive cultural program that includes professional conferences and poetry evenings, aiming to foster an open knowledge society. Furthermore, there is a dedicated space for the next generation: the "Le Petit Prince" section, inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, offers an educational program designed for young visitors.
As reported by maghreb-post.de.
