Crown Prince Moulay Hassan Launches a Celebration of Literature at the Rabat International Book Fair
Crown Prince Moulay Hassan officially inaugurated the 31st International Publishing and Book Fair on May 1, 2026, at the OLM-Souissi venue in Rabat. This significant cultural event, which is one of the largest in Morocco, is being held under the esteemed patronage of King Mohammed VI. The fair is scheduled to run from May 1 to May 10 and serves as a testament to the monarch's ongoing dedication to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape and enhancing Morocco's position as a knowledge-driven society through literature, publishing, and intellectual exchange.
The opening ceremony underscored the royal family's commitment to cultural advancement and the overarching vision of nurturing a society that thrives on knowledge and creativity. During his visit, Crown Prince Moulay Hassan explored various exhibition pavilions, including that of the French Republic, which has been designated as the guest of honor for this year's fair. France's participation not only celebrates the deep-rooted historical and cultural connections between Morocco and France but also aims to fortify the multidimensional cooperation that characterizes the robust partnership between King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron.
In addition to visiting the French Pavilion, the Crown Prince made noteworthy stops at the pavilion of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication and the special exhibition themed “Ibn Battuta and Travel Literature.” His tour included stops at the stands of the National Observatory for Children’s Rights, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Persons with Disabilities, and several other esteemed organizations and publishers, highlighting a commitment to inclusivity and cultural preservation.
This year’s fair takes on added significance as it coincides with UNESCO's designation of Rabat as the World Book Capital for 2026, a title that will be held from April 2026 to April 2027. This prestigious recognition reflects the city’s rich historical legacy and aligns with the royal vision of transforming Rabat into a beacon of culture and enlightenment in Morocco. The event is being organized through a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the Wilaya of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra regional council, and the Rabat municipal council.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
