Prince Moulay Rachid Inaugurates 30th International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid inaugurated the 30th edition of the International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL) on Thursday at the OLM-Souissi venue in Rabat, marking a major milestone in Morocco’s cultural calendar.
Held from April 18 to 27, this year’s edition honors the Emirate of Sharjah as the guest of honor, highlighting the enduring cultural and historical ties between Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.
During his tour of the fair, Prince Moulay Rachid visited several prominent pavilions, including Sharjah’s stand, which showcases recent advancements in the Emirati literary and cultural scene. The Prince also visited the pavilions of Palestine, the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the French Institute, SOCHEPRESS, Dar Amane, and a dedicated youth section, the “Smurfs Universe,” aimed at young readers.
The 2025 edition brings together 756 exhibitors from 51 countries, offering visitors access to over 100,000 titles spanning literary, academic, and cultural genres. The event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Regional Council, and local authorities.
Beyond book exhibitions, the fair features a dynamic cultural program, including book signings, panel discussions, poetry nights, and literary tributes. Moroccan and international authors, artists, and scholars are actively participating in the sessions.
This year’s program includes special tributes to influential Moroccan and Arab cultural figures, in collaboration with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO). Literary excellence will also be recognized through the presentation of prestigious awards such as the Ibn Battouta Travel Writing Prize and the National Reading Prize.
A strong focus is placed on younger audiences, with a vibrant program tailored to children and students, offering educational workshops and storytelling activities to foster a love for reading.
The 30th edition of SIEL affirms Morocco’s growing influence in the regional cultural landscape and supports Rabat’s positioning as a leading hub for literary and artistic exchange ahead of its designation as World Book Capital in 2026.
