Rabat, April 14, 2026 — Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom of Morocco is preparing to host a landmark cultural moment, marked by the official launch of the “Rabat UNESCO World Book Capital 2026” program beginning April 24, 2026, alongside the 31st edition of the International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL), scheduled from May 1 to May 10, 2026.
With this dual celebration, Morocco’s capital reaffirms its position as a vibrant cultural crossroads and a global hub for knowledge, creativity, and the publishing industry.
The designation of Rabat as UNESCO World Book Capital crowns the city’s rich historical legacy, its sustained commitment to education and culture, and the growing dynamism of its book sector. Home to more than 54 publishing houses and an expanding network of bookstores, Rabat plays a key role in promoting access to knowledge and fostering a culture of reading.
Organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, SIEL stands as one of the most prominent book fairs on the African continent. It represents a cornerstone of this year-long cultural celebration, drawing international attention to Morocco’s literary and intellectual landscape.
In partnership with national stakeholders and UNESCO bodies, the Ministry has designed an ambitious annual program featuring 342 activities structured around 12 thematic areas. These initiatives aim to bring books beyond traditional spaces, reaching wider audiences in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, orphanages, public squares, and even public transportation systems—ensuring inclusive access to literature for all.
At the heart of this initiative, the 31st edition of SIEL promises a rich and diverse cultural offering. The event will welcome 890 exhibitors—320 direct and 570 indirect—from 60 countries, showcasing more than 130,000 titles. France is honored as this year’s guest of honor.
This edition will also pay tribute to the 14th-century Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta, placing travel literature at the center of discussions and programming. Visitors can expect a dynamic cultural agenda featuring over 204 events and the participation of 720 writers, thinkers, and creators. These sessions will explore contemporary challenges in reading, as well as innovations shaping the cultural and creative industries.
About UNESCO World Book Capitals
Cities designated as UNESCO World Book Capitals commit to promoting books and reading for all age groups and communities, both within and beyond national borders. Each selected city implements a year-long program of activities to encourage literacy, support the publishing industry, and celebrate the written word.
Rabat is the 26th city to receive this distinction since the initiative’s launch in 2001, joining a distinguished list of previous titleholders including Madrid, Alexandria, New Delhi, Montreal, Amsterdam, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Athens, Kuala Lumpur, Tbilisi, Guadalajara, Accra, Strasbourg, and Rio de Janeiro.
The UNESCO World Book Capital Advisory Committee includes representatives from leading international organizations across the book sector, including booksellers, authors, libraries, publishers, and UNESCO itself.
Through this major cultural initiative, Rabat not only celebrates the power of books but also reinforces its role as a global center for dialogue, creativity, and intellectual exchange.
