Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Opens the 31st SIEL Book Fair
On Thursday, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan officially inaugurated the 31st International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL), held at the OLM-Souissi venue in Rabat. This significant cultural event, which runs from May 1st to May 10th, showcases a diverse array of literary works and promotes reading among the public. During his visit, the Crown Prince toured various exhibition stands, including that of France, which has the honor of being this year's guest of honor.
Among the notable exhibits he visited were those organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, highlighting the fair's theme, "Ibn Battuta and the Narrative of Travel." The Crown Prince also explored stands of organizations such as the National Observatory for Children's Rights, the Mohammed VI Foundation for People with Disabilities, and the Dar El Amane Publishing House, alongside representations from Palestine.
The fair is organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication in collaboration with several local entities, including the Wilaya of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Region, and the Rabat Municipality. This year's event coincides with UNESCO's designation of Rabat as the World Book Capital for 2026, a title that will be celebrated from April 2026 to April 2027.
With a staggering total of 891 exhibitors, including both direct and indirect participants from Morocco and 60 other countries across the Arab world, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, the fair is set to display over 130,000 titles and more than 3 million copies. The wide-ranging collection covers numerous genres and provides a treasure trove of knowledge and creativity for attendees to explore.
The cultural program accompanying this year's fair is particularly vibrant, featuring contributions from numerous Moroccan and international scholars and authors. Attendees can look forward to thematic symposiums, conferences, poetic evenings, and the launch of new publications. The event also aims to honor Moroccan literary figures whose contributions have significantly impacted the literary landscape since the 9th century.
For younger visitors, the fair includes the "Le Petit Prince" space, inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's beloved work. This area is designed to foster an immersive experience that encourages discovery and a love for travel and exploration.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
