Cairo Book Fair Draws 245,000 Visitors on Opening Day

More than 245,000 people flooded through the gates of Cairo's International Book Fair on opening day, creating lines that stretched around the exhibition center.

The 57th Cairo International Book Fair transformed the Egypt International Exhibition Center into a celebration of reading and culture. Families from across Egypt and visitors from Arab and Asian countries packed the venue, eager to explore books, activities, and cultural programs.

The children's hall became an instant hit with young visitors. Kids dove into interactive storytelling workshops, played traditional games, and created art while their parents browsed thousands of book titles. Volunteers made sure people with disabilities could fully participate in all the activities.

The fair's Friday sermon highlighted something powerful: Islam's deep emphasis on pursuing knowledge and gathering to learn together. The message resonated as crowds witnessed exactly that happening around them.

Culture Minister Ahmed Fouad Hano celebrated the turnout as proof that investing in cultural experiences pays off. He emphasized how improved services and diverse programming created an event worthy of the fair's reputation as a leading cultural gathering in the Arab world.

The Ripple Effect

This massive first-day turnout signals something bigger than one successful event. When a quarter million people choose to spend their day at a book fair, they're voting for literacy, learning, and cultural connection.

The fair brings together publishers, authors, and readers in a region where access to books and cultural events can transform communities. Children who attend storytelling workshops today might become the writers and thinkers of tomorrow.

The Cairo International Book Fair has built its reputation over 57 years by staying true to its mission: making reading accessible and exciting for everyone. This year's record-breaking opening proves that mission still matters deeply to Egyptians and visitors from across the region.

A quarter million people showed up to celebrate books, proving that the written word still has the power to unite us.