UNESCO has declared that the city of Rabat, the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco, has been chosen as the World Book Capital for 2026, succeeding Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The celebrations will commence on April 23, 2026, and will last for an entire year, focusing on promoting reading and combating illiteracy in underprivileged communities, as well as encouraging women and children to read and supporting the local publishing industry.
Through this initiative, Rabat aims to improve access to books by integrating reading into daily life, whether in parks or cafes. Rabat was selected due to its thriving literary scene, serving as a cultural meeting point and hosting one of the largest book fairs in Africa, the International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL).
Event Details
This year's Book Fair will take place from April 30 to May 10, and is considered the largest book fair in Morocco. The fair is expected to attract thousands of visitors and over 700 exhibitors from around 50 countries. This year's fair holds special significance as it coincides with Rabat's designation as the World Book Capital.
France will be the guest of honor at the SIEL 2026, featuring Nobel Prize-winning author Annie Ernaux. The fair aims to foster partnerships between French and Moroccan authors, publishers, and translators. Additionally, the fair will include celebrations commemorating Ibn Battuta and the Moroccan diaspora, along with a series of seminars, poetry readings, and discussions on children's Arabic literature.
Background & Context
Historically, Rabat has been an important cultural center in Morocco, housing numerous historical libraries and cultural centers. This city represents a convergence of different cultures, making it an ideal place to celebrate literature. Previous cultural events, such as literary fairs, have enhanced Rabat's status as a literary destination in the Arab world.
The National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco is one of the key cultural landmarks in Rabat, containing over 200,000 titles and 80,000 rare documents. The library aims to preserve Moroccan, Arab, and Islamic heritage and provide access to information through modern digital strategies.
Impact & Consequences
The selection of Rabat as the World Book Capital is a significant step towards enhancing culture and reading in Morocco. This event highlights the importance of reading in combating illiteracy and raising cultural awareness among new generations. It also reflects Morocco's commitment to promoting culture and literature as part of its national identity.
This event is expected to increase interest in Moroccan and Arab literature, thereby enhancing the status of books and libraries in society. It will also support local publishers and develop the publishing industry in Morocco, opening new horizons for writers and creators.
Regional Significance
The selection of Rabat as the World Book Capital presents an opportunity to enhance cultural cooperation among Arab countries. This initiative can inspire other nations in the region to adopt similar strategies aimed at promoting reading and culture. It may also contribute to strengthening Arab cultural identity by highlighting Arabic literature and its history.
In conclusion, the designation of Rabat as the World Book Capital is a positive step towards enhancing culture and literature in Morocco and the Arab world, opening new avenues for readers and creators.