Highlights from the SIEL 2026 Opening Ceremony
On April 30, 2026, Prince Moulay El Hassan presided over the inauguration of the 31st edition of the International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL) held at the OLM-Souissi space in Rabat. The event is slated to run from May 1 to May 10, featuring a rich tapestry of cultural activities, literary discussions, and the celebration of Morocco's vibrant literary heritage. During his visit, the prince explored numerous booths, including the one representing France, this year's guest of honor. He also took time to engage with exhibits from various organizations, such as the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, which focused on the theme of this year’s fair: 'Ibn Battuta and the Story of Travel.'
A Global Gathering of Literary Enthusiasts
This year's fair stands out not only for its thematic focus but also for its impressive scale, boasting participation from 891 exhibitors, comprising 321 direct exhibitors and 570 indirect ones from Morocco and 60 countries across the Arab, African, European, Asian, and American continents. The fair showcases an extensive documentary collection covering a wide range of knowledge fields, featuring over 130,000 titles and more than three million copies. The cultural program is set to include contributions from numerous Moroccan and international researchers and authors, alongside hundreds of speakers participating in thematic conferences, poetry nights, and discussions on new publications. Furthermore, a tribute will be paid to prominent Moroccan literary figures whose works have significantly impacted the nation’s literary landscape since the 9th century.
Children are also catered to at the fair, with an immersive program dedicated to young audiences inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s 'The Little Prince,' offering a unique journey of discovery and imagination.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
