The 30th edition of the International Publishing and Book Fair started on Thursday at the OLM Souissi space in Rabat. The event, held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, will continue until April 27, 2025. This special moment shows the strong support of the royal family for culture and education. It also reflects Morocco’s goal to build a modern, open, and educated society.

Prince Moulay Rachid visited several stands at the fair. He began with the Emirate of Sharjah, the guest of honor this year, which shows the strong friendship between Morocco and the United Arab Emirates. He also visited the stands of Palestine, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the French Institute of Morocco, Sochepress, Dar Al-Aman, and The Smurfs’ World.

This edition includes 756 exhibitors from 51 countries. Among them, 292 are showing their work directly, while 464 are represented through other exhibitors. The fair is organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, in partnership from the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region and local authorities. The fair also honors Moroccans living abroad. It includes many activities such as talks, poetry nights, book presentations, and awards. Visitors can explore more than 100,000 books covering different subjects and literary genres.

His Royal Highness was also greeted by Driss El Yazami, President of the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME); Mohamed Yacoubi, Wali of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Region and Governor of the Rabat Prefecture; Rachid El Abdi, President of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Regional Council; and Salim Al Malik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).

HRH Prince Moulay Rachid was also greeted by Fatiha El Moudni, President of the Municipal Council; Abdelaziz Driouich, President of the Prefectural Council; Latifa Moftaqir, Director of the Archives of the Kingdom and General Commissioner of SIEL; Salah-Eddine Abkari, Acting Secretary General of the Department of Culture; and Ghyzlane Derrous, Director of Books, Libraries and Archives.

With this special opening and many international participants, the SIEL continues to be one of Morocco’s most important cultural events. It also prepares Rabat to shine as UNESCO World Book Capital in 2026.