CIBF Attracts Over 3 Mn Visitors in Single Week

The 57th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF) has recorded unprecedented attendance figures, attracting more than three million visitors in just one week, organizers announced, underscoring the event’s growing cultural and international significance.

The fair, one of the largest cultural events in the Arab world, has garnered widespread local and global attention this year due to the diversity of its domestic and international participation.

Dr. Khaled Abou El-Leil, Vice Chairman of the Egyptian General Book Organization (EGBO), described the turnout as a milestone in the history of Egyptian and Arab culture. “We are witnessing a remarkable increase in public engagement,” he said, noting that visitor numbers have already exceeded three million, with expectations that attendance could surpass four million in the coming days.

In a televised interview, Abou El-Leil said the figures reflect a broader shift in how society engages with cultural events. “The book fair is no longer just a cultural visit; it has become part of Egyptians’ daily life,” he said.

He also highlighted the role of the Egyptian state in supporting the fair, pointing to the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as a clear indication that culture remains a national priority. Abou El-Leil added that extensive efforts by the Ministry of Culture, along with other state institutions — including the ministries of education, youth and sports, and interior — contributed significantly to the event’s success.

The EGBO official further praised the strong coordination between the organization, the Egyptian and Arab Publishers’ Unions, and the fair’s organizing committee, saying the cooperation helped deliver a fully integrated cultural event that attracts visitors from around the world.

Abou El-Leil attributed the surge in attendance in part to major improvements in digital services. “Modern technology has played a key role in facilitating booking, search services, and electronic payments,” he said.

On the international front, he noted that this year’s fair has seen broad participation from numerous countries, reinforcing its status as a global cultural platform. “The exhibition is no longer limited to local visitors,” he said. “It has become a meeting point for global cultures, with many visitors arriving from across the Arab world and beyond.”

CIBF continues to host a wide range of cultural activities, panel discussions, and book signings, further cementing its position as a flagship event on the regional and international cultural calendar.