30th International Book & Publishing Fair Opens in Rabat

The 30th International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL), under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI, was officially opened Thursday under the chairmanship of Prince Moulay Rachid.

Prince Moulay Rachid toured several booths, including that of the Emirate of Sharjah, guest of honor at this SIEL 30th edition. This participation underscores the historical and cultural ties between Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, and highlights recent developments in the Emirati cultural landscape.

He also visited the booths of Palestine, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the French Institute of Morocco, the Société Chérifienne de Distribution et de Presse (SOCHEPRESS), Dar Amane, and the Universe of the Smurfs.

This year’s fair hosts 756 exhibitors — including 292 direct and 464 indirect participants — representing 51 countries.

A vast selection of over 100,000 titles, spanning all fields of knowledge and literary genres, is showcased at the fair, which celebrates Moroccans around the world who contribute to the dissemination of Morocco’s plural identity beyond its borders.

Featuring a rich and diverse cultural program, this edition welcomes numerous Moroccan and international researchers, writers, and artists who will moderate conferences, literary meetings, poetry evenings, and book signings.

This 30th edition also features tributes to leading figures in Moroccan creative circles whose works have helped shape and enrich national culture, as well as to prominent Arab cultural figures, in partnership with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), alongside literary award ceremonies, including the Ibn Battouta Prize for Travel Literature and the National Reading Prize.

As in past editions, a varied program designed for children and students will run throughout the event from April 16 to 27.

The 30th edition of SIEL seeks to reaffirm its role as a flagship cultural event, contributing to the revitalization of the cultural scene and reinforcing Rabat’s status as a prominent cultural destination, especially as the city prepares to be designated World Book Capital in 2026.