Alexandria International Book Fair 2018 is underway

CAIRO – 3 April 2018: The 14th edition of the Alexandria International Book Fair, run by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) is now underway, running from March 31 until April 9, 2018.

Produced in collaboration with the General Egyptian Book Organization (GEBO), this year features a special contribution from Saudi Arabia, which emphasizes a new step in foreign relations with the BA and helps to ensure this year's book fair is more distinguished than ever. Saudi Arabia's contributions will include publications from its Ministry of Culture and Information and its Cultural Attaché, Saudi Publishing Houses and other cultural productions.

Saudi Arabia will also participate with various new cultural activities, and there will be a special exhibition dedicated to various religious sites such as Mecca and Medina for the first ever time for Egyptian audiences present at the BA. The 14th edition's main themes will be around several cultural topics, such as the future of the Arab World, special activities for intellectuals in Alexandria, and a discussion on the history and literary heritage of Sinai. Competitions will allow younger visitors and anyone else to win special prizes too, such as new books.

Founded back in 2002, the AIBF was the dream of intellectuals and thinkers from Alexandria, who succeeded in their dream of creating a cultural force that would not only draw people towards their beloved city, recognizing it as the artistic capital of Egypt, but also introduce new readers of all ages to the wonders of reading. A special section (Sour el-Azbakeya) sells old and used books at low prices, and has proven to be one of the fair's most popular attractions.

Last year's edition of the AIBF drew in 230 publishers, both from the Arab world and internationally. Running for several weeks, the event celebrated the life and achievements of Mostafa al Abbadi, a prominent Arab historian and philosopher, who had passed away in February, 2017. Italy was that guest of honor that year, which drew on the ancient cultural connection between Rome and Alexandria.