58th Cairo International Book Fair

The 58th Cairo International Book Fair is scheduled for 20 January to 2 February 2027 at the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo, with Qatar as guest of honour. The fair is the oldest and largest in the Arab world and attracts millions of visitors, making it as much a social occasion as a literary one. Expect halls of Arabic and foreign-language publishers, children’s pavilions, author signings, poetry readings and cultural seminars. Tickets are inexpensive and sold at the entrance and online. Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds, take a taxi or ride-hailing car to the exhibition centre, and bring a bag for the books you will inevitably buy.

Dates: announced by the organisers.

About the fair

The Cairo International Book Fair was first held in 1969 and has taken place almost every year since. In 2019 it moved from its long-time home in Nasr City to the Egypt International Exhibition Center in New Cairo. Each edition names a guest-of-honour country and usually celebrates a leading Egyptian or Arab literary figure.

What to expect

Halls are organised by type of publisher, with large Egyptian and Arab publishing houses, government cultural bodies, international pavilions and a children’s area. Most books are in Arabic, but there is a good choice in English, French and other languages, as well as academic titles and art books. The seminar programme brings together writers, critics and translators.

Getting there

The exhibition centre is on the eastern edge of New Cairo, a long way from Downtown, Zamalek and Giza. When you leave, agree a clear pick-up point with your driver, as the roads around the halls get congested in the late afternoon and evening.

Planning tips

• January days in Cairo are mild and sunny but evenings are cool, so bring a jumper.
• Wear comfortable shoes: the halls are large and the fair easily fills half a day.
• Food stalls and cafes are on site, though queues can be long at lunchtime.
• Check the official programme for talks in English or with translation.