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Under the esteemed patronage of King Mohammed VI, Rabat gears up to host the 31st International Book and Publishing Fair from April 30 to May 10, 2026, at the OLM Souissi venue. This year’s event not only celebrates literature but also secures Rabat’s status as a “World Book Capital” for 2026 and 2027.
A Celebration of Literature in Rabat
The International Book and Publishing Fair promises an impressive showcase, spanning a net area of 17,000 square meters and featuring a noteworthy participation of 891 exhibitors from 61 countries. This surge in attendance underscores the fair’s international allure, with 152 Moroccan publishers leading the charge, alongside significant representations from the Arab world, particularly Egypt and Lebanon.
Notably, France will take center stage as the guest of honor. This nod to the robust cultural ties between Morocco and France comes in response to Morocco being invited as the guest of honor at the 2025 Paris Book Fair. The French pavilion is set to engage the youth with over 125 activities, including a highlight appearance by Annie Ernaux, the 2022 Nobel Prize winner in Literature, along with 14 other French authors.
Exploring Literary Journeys
This year’s theme, “Ibn Battuta and Travel Literature,” pays tribute to the renowned Moroccan explorer. An entire pavilion dedicated to Ibn Battuta will offer visitors a chance to delve into his remarkable journeys through rare manuscripts, historical documents, and maps detailing his famed expedition to China. An interactive platform will allow attendees to engage with Ibn Battuta’s legacy, alongside a specialized library focused on travel narratives.
Children will also be catered to, with dedicated spaces including “The Little Prince Area,” inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, which ingeniously bridges the realities of Ibn Battuta’s travels and the whimsical tales of “The Little Prince,” inspiring imagination and curiosity.
A Hub for Cultural Exchange
The fair will feature five seminar areas and a space for professional networking, ensuring a vibrant schedule of hundreds of cultural activities. The official opening is slated for Thursday, April 30, 2026, with public access commencing the following day and running daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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International Book Fair, Rabat, Ibn Battuta, Literature, French culture, Children’s literature, Cultural exchange, 2026 events
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Rabat’s International Book Fair 2026 celebrates literature, featuring France as guest of honor and a focus on Ibn Battuta’s legacy.
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Join us in Rabat for a literary journey at the International Book Fair 2026, celebrating the magic of words and cultural exchange!
