Libya’s broad participation in the 2026 Cairo International Book Fair

February 2, 2026
libyawire
Culture
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Cairo, January 24, 2026 – The new session of the Cairo International Book Fair 2026 is witnessing a broad Libyan participation, represented by the presence of a number of universities and academic institutions, alongside a selection of Libyan publishing houses. This step reflects the growing presence of Libyan culture in Arab and international forums.

It was confirmed that the Libyan participation in the fair represents a national and strategic imperative, not a marginal cultural activity.

It was noted that the Cairo International Book Fair is the second largest cultural event in the world and the largest in the Arab world, attracting millions of visitors annually from various countries.

This participation contributes to marketing Libyan scientific and intellectual output and amplifying the voice of the Libyan writer and researcher to wider audiences. This positively reflects on the ranking of Libyan universities and the impact factor of research and publications issued by them.

It was added that the fair constitutes an important opportunity to establish scientific partnerships, translation and joint printing agreements, as well as to learn about the latest developments in the publishing industry, especially in the fields of digital publishing and modern technologies.

It was pointed out that investment in culture and knowledge is a long-term investment in people, emphasizing that the return is not limited to the moral aspect but also includes indirect economic returns through opening new markets for the Libyan book and revitalizing the printing, distribution, and translation sectors.

Libyan participation this year is embodied by the presence of the General Syndicate of Libyan Publishers and a number of academic institutions, foremost among them the University of Tobruk, in addition to a number of Libyan publishing houses.

The Cairo International Book Fair 2026 is a pivotal cultural platform for the exchange of knowledge and the enhancement of cultural communication. The Libyan participation in it confirms Libya’s cultural presence and its role as a country producing thought and knowledge despite challenges.

Cairo

Cairo is the sprawling capital of Egypt, founded in 969 CE by the Fatimid dynasty near ancient capitals like Memphis. It is famously home to historic Islamic districts, the Egyptian Museum, and the Giza Pyramids located on its outskirts.

Cairo International Book Fair 2026

The Cairo International Book Fair is an annual cultural event first held in 1969, making it one of the world’s largest and oldest book fairs. The 2026 edition will continue its tradition of bringing together publishers, authors, and readers from across the Arab world and internationally to promote literature and cultural exchange.

Libyan

Libya is a country in North Africa with a rich history that includes ancient Phoenician, Greek, and Roman settlements, most notably at the UNESCO site of Leptis Magna. In the modern era, it was an Italian colony before gaining independence in 1951 and was later ruled by Muammar Gaddafi from 1969 until the 2011 revolution. Its cultural heritage is deeply influenced by Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean traditions.

Arab

“Arab” is not a specific place or cultural site but refers broadly to the Arab world, a region encompassing 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa united by the Arabic language and shared cultural heritage. Historically, the rise of Islam in the 7th century and the subsequent Arab empires were pivotal in spreading the Arabic language and culture across this vast area.

University of Tobruk

The University of Tobruk is a public university located in Tobruk, Libya, founded in 2007 to serve the eastern region of the country. It was established to provide higher education and foster development, evolving from earlier faculties that were branches of other Libyan universities.

General Syndicate of Libyan Publishers

The General Syndicate of Libyan Publishers is a professional union established to organize and represent the interests of publishers within Libya. It was founded to oversee the publishing industry, promote Libyan literature, and protect copyrights, playing a key role in the country’s cultural and intellectual landscape since its formation.