Rabat is set to come alive with an exceptional cultural season. Under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan capital will officially launch, on April 24, 2026, the festivities of “Rabat UNESCO World Book Capital 2026,” a major event that will coincide with the 31st edition of the International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL), scheduled from May 1 to May 10.
This dual event highlights Rabat’s growing role as a major cultural hub at the crossroads of knowledge and creative industries. The UNESCO designation recognizes a long-standing commitment to culture, education, and access to books. With more than fifty publishing houses and an expanding network of bookstores, the city now stands as a key driver in the dissemination of knowledge across Morocco.
A central highlight of this momentum, the SIEL—organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication—confirms its status as a must-attend event on the African cultural calendar. This edition is fully integrated into the annual program of “Rabat World Book Capital,” developed in partnership with UNESCO and various national stakeholders.
In total, 342 activities structured around 12 themes will shape this cultural year, with a clear objective: to take reading beyond traditional spaces and bring it closer to the public. Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, orphanages, public spaces, and transport networks will all be engaged to make books more accessible to everyone.
The 31st edition of SIEL also promises an ambitious program. Nearly 890 exhibitors from 60 countries will showcase over 130,000 titles. France, as the guest of honor, will play a central role in the exchanges, while a special tribute will be paid to the 14th-century Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta, placing travel literature in the spotlight.
The fair will feature more than 200 conferences, meetings, and debates, bringing together around 720 intellectuals and creators. These gatherings will provide opportunities to explore evolving reading habits and the new dynamics shaping cultural and creative industries in a rapidly changing world.
