Cairo: The 57th Session of the Cairo International Book Fair, which will last until Feb. 3, started Wednesday. The Ministry of Culture participates in the activities by presenting a range of diverse and new Qatari publications in various knowledge sciences, including novels, law, social sciences, and humanities, in addition to distinctive editions of children's and emerging books, as part of continuing its efforts to support Qatari publishers, strengthen bridges of cultural communication with the Arab world, and consolidate the status of culture as an essential tributary of comprehensive development.

According to Qatar News Agency, the session is scheduled to witness distinguished Qatari cultural activities and events, including the organization of a seminar within the cultural program accompanying the exhibition, to discuss a number of intellectual and cultural issues of common interest, with the participation of a group of intellectuals and those interested in cultural affairs.

Also participating in the exhibition are a group of Qatari publishing houses, which display their latest publications in various fields of thought, literature and knowledge, including Rosa house for publishing and distribution, Al Watad house for books and publications, Hamad bin Khalifa University house for publishing, Katara house for publishing and distribution, as well as the Police Academy's Center for Security Research and Studies, and the International Authority for the Study of the Holy Quran.

The state of Romania will be the Guest of Honor of this edition of the exhibition, while the State of Qatar will be the Guest of Honor of the 2027 edition, within the activities of the Egyptian-Qatari Cultural Year.

The 57th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair is witnessing an unprecedented participation of 1,457 publishing houses from 83 countries, with a total of 6,637 exhibitors. The exhibition also contains a cultural and intellectual program that includes 400 events, 100 signing ceremonies, and 120 artistic events, with the participation of 170 Arab and foreign guests, and more than 1,500 intellectuals and creators.

The great Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz was chosen as the Character of the Exhibition, while the great artist Mohieddine Ellabbad was chosen as the Character for the Children's Book Exhibition.