The city of Rabat is currently hosting a grand celebration of knowledge and culture as the 30th edition of the Rabat International Book Fair unfolds. Running from April 17 to April 27, 2025, the prestigious event has transformed Morocco’s capital into a vibrant hub for writers, readers, publishers, and literary enthusiasts from around the world.
This year’s fair boasts an impressive lineup of 700 exhibitors representing 48 countries, filling the exhibition halls with a rich collection of books spanning Arabic, English, and French. From timeless classics to contemporary works on history, literature, science, and technology, visitors are spoiled for choice.
“This event is not just a celebration of books; it’s a celebration of cultural diversity and intellectual exchange,” said one of the organizers during the fair’s opening ceremony.
Sharjah Honored as Guest of Honor
Adding a unique flair to this year’s festivities is the emirate of Sharjah, recognized as the Guest of Honor. This acknowledgment underscores the flourishing cultural ties between Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.
Throughout the fair, numerous Emirati authors, poets, and intellectuals are hosting panel discussions, workshops, and book signings, showcasing the dynamic literary landscape of Sharjah. The collaboration aims to deepen mutual understanding and promote literary traditions between the two regions.
“Sharjah’s participation reflects a shared commitment to cultural dialogue and the promotion of literature across borders,” said a spokesperson from the Sharjah delegation.
Innovation Meets Education: The Rise of Interactive Learning
In an age where technology continues to reshape traditional practices, the fair also highlights the intersection between technology and education. One of the standout features this year is the innovative work by the Home Applied Training publishing house.
Yassine Laghmich, a representative from the publishing house, proudly introduced their range of interactive children’s books. These bilingual publications, available in Arabic and English, integrate built-in devices that allow children to engage with the content through audio and interactive elements.
“Our mission is to blend technology with traditional reading, creating an experience that is both educational and entertaining for children,” Laghmich explained.
Parents and educators alike have praised these innovations, noting that interactive books encourage language learning and literacy skills among younger audiences, while also keeping them engaged in an increasingly digital world.
A Treasure Trove for Students and Researchers
Beyond the creative children’s offerings, the Rabat International Book Fair continues to serve as an indispensable resource for students, academics, and researchers. The exhibition provides access to a vast array of scholarly texts, rare publications, and reference materials.
Riad Chniter, founder of Editions Sotumedias from Tunisia, emphasized the importance of the fair for the academic community.
“The Rabat Book Fair holds great significance. It provides Moroccan students and scholars the opportunity to discover new academic resources and keep up with recent developments across various fields,” Chniter said.
He further noted that many university students specifically attend the fair to source materials crucial for their research projects and academic pursuits, reaffirming the event’s role as a key intellectual resource.
Physical Books Thrive in a Digital World
Despite the rapid rise of e-books and online reading platforms, physical books continue to maintain a strong appeal among readers.
Othmane Laraqui, a seasoned bookseller specializing in English-language titles, shared insights into global reading trends, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During the lockdowns, people around the world turned back to physical books for comfort and escape. That trend didn’t disappear after the pandemic. Physical books have never been more relevant than they are today,” Laraqui observed.
His remarks highlight an enduring appreciation for the tactile and immersive experience that only physical books can provide — an experience that no screen or device can replicate fully.
Cultural Events Enrich the Experience
Beyond the bustling book stalls, the fair offers a rich program of cultural seminars, literary debates, poetry readings, and creative workshops designed for audiences of all ages. These activities create an environment where visitors not only purchase books but also engage directly with authors, thinkers, and fellow readers.
Children’s storytelling sessions, hands-on writing workshops, and live panel discussions on contemporary literary trends have proven particularly popular, making the fair an inclusive, family-friendly event.
Since its founding in 1987, the Rabat International Book Fair has steadily evolved into a cornerstone of Morocco’s cultural calendar and a vital platform for intellectual exchange across the Mediterranean and beyond.
“The fair is not only a marketplace for books but also a meeting place for cultures, ideas, and generations,” said one long-time attendee.
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Knowledge and Dialogue
As the 30th edition of the Rabat International Book Fair approaches its closing days, organizers and visitors alike are reflecting on the fair’s enduring impact.
By bringing together diverse voices, embracing innovation, and fostering a love of reading among new generations, the event continues to uphold Rabat’s reputation as a beacon of knowledge and cultural dialogue.
For Morocco, and for all who participate, the fair is a powerful reminder that books remain one of humanity’s most enduring bridges — linking past, present, and future.
