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

Planning to go to the Cairo International Book Fair but don’t know what to expect or where to start? Worry not, as we are here to share all the details to make the most of your visit to the fair. Lay back with your favourite drink as we guide you through the discoveries that await at this literary haven and navigate the myriad of stalls, events, and cultural offerings that make this fair a captivating experience for book enthusiasts.

First things first, you need a ticket to enter. For only 5 EGP, your ticket is valid throughout the day. You can buy your ticket at one of the booths beside Gate 3, in which case you’ll have to make your way inside through that same gate. But you can also click this link to make an online purchase. If you bought it online, you must enter through Gate 4.

Once you’re past the gates, you’ll find yourself in the massive outdoor area of the exhibition centre. With a huge garden and play and sitting areas, you can enjoy your morning cup of coffee while your kids or little siblings have some fun.

If you are looking for English books, Hall 2 is the one for you. It is where you will find a variety of publishing houses selling English-language books, including Diwan, Al Ahram, Reader’s Corner, Dar El-Shorouk, Egyptian American Book Center, AUC Press, and others. You will find it all there, from classics to thrillers, romance, academic, and fantasy written by some of your favourite authors such as Colleen Hoover, Jane Austen, Dustin Thao, and others.

Because children need intellectual nourishment, Hall 5 is mainly dedicated to children’s books, featuring famous publishing houses devoted to kids, such as Al-Balsam. Explore the vast array of comics, graphic novels, and educational books. Not only do they offer literary gems, but also different kinds of exciting games that will lure your child into the realm of knowledge. Consider passing by these booths, as their displays ensure your child is learning while having fun.

Cairo International Book Fair has something for everyone, including graphic novels and Manga. In Hall 2, El Mahrousa Publishing House has a booth displaying its unique collection of books including comics, including bestsellers like Shubeik Lubeik and Wogoud wa Ghyab. As for Manga, head to Hall 3, where you can’t miss the KSA-based Manga Arabia booth, showcasing the collection of Arabic-translated and published material accompanied with surprising offers for you to claim.

If you’re a fan of Pan-Arab literature, check out Hall 3, where you will find the Arab countries participating. Each booth is dedicated to an Arab country, including Syria, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and more! They offer a variety of publications, including historical books to enrich our cultural awareness, children’s books, and many more.

Finally, if you’re into religion and spirituality, Hall 1 holds a massive collection to cater to your taste. But note that you can find these kinds of books in almost every hall. Whatever you come looking for, you will definitely come out victorious!

To keep you excited, performances of many kinds take place throughout the day. Between live music, dancing, and even puppet shows, there isn’t a moment of boredom at the fair. If you still haven’t visited, make sure to go before it ends! The event runs daily until the 6th of February, from 10 am to 8 pm.