The Cairo International Book Fair on Thursday opens its doors for thousands of readers and culture enthusiasts to one of the most anticipated literary events of the year.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly officially inaugurated the 57th edition on Wednesday, on behalf of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
Held under the President’s auspices at the Egypt International Exhibition Center, the fair is scheduled to run from January 21 through February 3, 2026.
This year, Romania is featured as the Guest of Honor.
The fair celebrates the legacy of Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouzas the “Personality of the Year,” while renowned artist Mohieddin al-Labbad has been named the “Personality of the Year” for the Children’s Book Fair.
Opening hours
The fair is open to the general public during the following hours:
- Saturday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Thursday and Friday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Ticket prices and online booking
Tickets for this year’s edition are priced at five LE per person.
To streamline entry and reduce crowding at the gates, visitors are encouraged to book their tickets in advance through the official online portal.
Once booking is complete, visitors receive an electronic ticket that can be presented at the entrance, either as a printed copy or saved on a smartphone.
Reduced fares and fleet expansion
The Governor of Cairo, Ibrahim Saber, has announced a reduced flat fare of only LE10 per trip on buses designated for the Cairo International Book Fair.
The Cairo Public Transport Authority (CTA) will deploy an initial fleet of 60 buses—expandable based on demand—to serve visitors, covering most areas of Greater Cairo in addition to existing routes passing by the fairgrounds.
The Chairman of the CTA, Essam al-Sheikh, stated that these buses will clearly display “Book Fair Service” signage.
He noted that service frequency will be increased on high-demand routes to prevent overcrowding and reduce headway.
Seven dedicated express routes have been established to transport visitors:
- Route One (10 Buses): Abdel Moneim Riad Square – Ramses – Abassia – Al-Azhar University – Al-Mosheer Axis – Book Fair.
- Route Two (10 Buses): Dawaran Shobra – Shubra St. – Ahmed Helmy Sq. – Ramses St. – Abassia – El Sekka Club – Al-Azhar University – Al-Mosheer Axis – Book Fair.
- Route Three (Eight Buses): New Nozha – El Hegaz Sq. – Seven Emirates – Makram Ebeid – Mostafa El Nahas – El Manhal – Wafaa wal Amal – Book Fair.
- Route Four (Seven Buses): El Amiriyya – Matariyya Sq. – Helmiya – Ain Shams Women’s College – Hesham Barakat Sq. – 7th District – Embassy District – Book Fair.
- Route Five (10 Buses): Giza Sq. – Cairo University – Qasr Al-Ainy – Sayyida Aisha – Autostrad – Al-Azhar University – Book Fair.
- Route Six (Six Buses): Sakr Quraish – Maadi Carrefour – Wadi Degla Club – Ring Road – Al-Mosheer Axis – Book Fair.
- Route Seven (Eight Buses): El Mazallat – Saray El Qobba – Roxy – Seven Emirates – 8th District – Wafaa wal Amal – Al-Mosheer Axis – Book Fair.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
