The Inauguration of the 20th Round of the BA International Book Fair
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The Bibliotheca Alexandrina has launched the 20th edition of its International Book Fair, which takes place from Monday, 7 July to Monday, 21 July. The 20th edition is being held in collaboration with the General Egyptian Book Organization and the Egyptian and Arab Publishers Association, and is sponsored by QNB bebasata.
The Fair was inaugurated by Prof. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina; Mr. Mohamed Rashad, President of the Arab Publishers Association; Mr. Farid Zahran, President of the Egyptian Publishers Association; Dr. Mohamed Abdel Rahim Al-Bayoumi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, representing the Minister of Awqaf; Dr. Hisham Saeed, Vice President of Alexandria University for Graduate Studies, representing Dr. Abdel Aziz Qonsowa, President of the University; Dr. Yousry El Gamal, former Minister of Education; and Dr. Mohamed Abdel Dayem El Gendy, Secretary General of the Islamic Research Academy, together with the Consuls of Palestine, Lebanon, China, and Italy, and a number of intellectuals, thinkers, media figures, and Al-Azhar leaders.
It is worth mentioning that around 78 Egyptian and Arab publishing houses are taking part in this year's Fair, and that a children's pavilion has been set up, featuring more than 16 publishing houses specializing in printing and publishing children's books, in addition to another pavilion dedicated to old and rare books (Sour Al-Azbakeya).
This year's guest of honor is former Moroccan Foreign Minister and renowned intellectual Mohamed Benaissa. Mr. Benaissa was a former member of the Library’s Board of Trustees, who passed away in March 2025.
A cultural program will be held on the sidelines of the Fair that features more than 215 events, with the participation of nearly 800 speakers and lecturers. The events will take place at the Library in Alexandria, as well as at Sinnari House in Sayeda Zeinab district and Khadija Palace in Helwan.