The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Image via A Eye Photography

Launching in celebration of Egypt’s October victories, the first-ever Zamalek Book Fair is set to transform the heart of Cairo into a hub of literature, art, and creativity. Organised by the National Centre for Theatre, Music, and Folk Arts in collaboration with the General Egyptian Book Organisation, the event begins today, October 6, 2025, at 9 Hassan Sabry Street, Zamalek, and runs until October 15, 2025.

A Collaboration of Egypt’s Leading Cultural Institutions

The fair brings together some of the country’s most respected cultural institutions, including the General Authority for Cultural Palaces, the National Centre for Translation, the Cultural Development Fund, the Supreme Council of Culture, the Academy of Arts, and the National Library and Archives, as well as several private publishing houses. Their joint participation promises a diverse and enriching experience for visitors.

More than Just Books

Beyond shelves filled with new releases and literary gems, the Zamalek Book Fair presents a vibrant cultural program featuring workshops, performances, and interactive events. It’s not merely a marketplace for books but a celebration of Egypt’s artistic and intellectual heritage.

Workshops for Children and Creative Minds

The fair features interactive workshops for children through the “Tales on Four Wheels” initiative, supported by Misr El Kheir Foundation, which includes storytelling, puppet theatre, and open reading sessions. Additionally, the “I Am an Artist” workshop, supervised by artist Wafaa El Hakim, invites children with special needs to explore their creativity and express themselves through art.

Open Dialogues and Folk Performances

A “Free Space” segment of the fair will feature open discussions and meetups with cultural icons, including Sabry Fawaz, Dr Mona El Saban, and Shaheera Khalil, among others. Visitors can also enjoy folk and traditional music performances from regional troupes representing El Nile, Nubia, Alexandria, and Sharkia, adding a lively artistic dimension to the event.

A Celebration of Heritage and Accessibility

The National Centre for Theatre, Music, and Folk Arts will organise heritage concerts highlighting authentic Egyptian melodies. With free entry and special book discounts, the fair welcomes everyone to enjoy a cultural experience that bridges the past and present.

The First Book Fair in a Metro Station

Opera Station has turned into a cultural hotspot with Egypt’s inaugural Metro Book Fair, held from October 5 to 7, 2025. The event, organised by the Ministries of Culture and Transport, celebrates the October Victory while incorporating books into everyday commuting. Featuring contributions from major cultural entities like the Egyptian General Book Organisation and the Academy of Arts, the fair brings literature directly to metro passengers. This creative project aims to make reading more accessible, foster national identity, and integrate art into daily life in one of Cairo’s most active public spaces.