Rabat – His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid chaired, on Thursday in the OLM-Souissi arena in Rabat, the opening of the 30th International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL), held on April 18-27 under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
The opening of this Fair by His Royal Highness reflects the continued high regard in which His Majesty the King holds the cultural sector, as well as His unwavering commitment to fostering its various expressions, with the overarching goal of building a knowledge-based, open, prosperous, and civilized society.
On this occasion, HRH Prince Moulay Rachid toured several booths, including that of the Emirate of Sharjah, guest of honor at this 30th edition of SIEL. This participation underscores the historical and cultural ties between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, and highlights recent developments in the Emirati cultural landscape.
His Royal Highness also visited the booths of Palestine, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the French Institute of Morocco, the Société Chérifienne de Distribution et de Presse (SOCHEPRESS), Dar Amane, and the Universe of the Smurfs.
Organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, in partnership with the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Regional Council and the Wilaya of the same region, the 30th International Book and Publishing Fair hosts 756 exhibitors — including 292 direct and 464 indirect participants — representing 51 countries.
A vast selection of over 100,000 titles, spanning all fields of knowledge and literary genres, is showcased at this year’s edition, which honors the Emirate of Sharjah and celebrates Moroccans around the world who contribute to the dissemination of Morocco’s plural identity beyond its borders.
Featuring a rich and diverse cultural program, this edition welcomes numerous Moroccan and international researchers, writers, and artists who will lead conferences, literary meetings, poetry evenings, and book signings.
This 30th edition will also include special moments, such as tributes to leading figures in Moroccan creative circles whose works have helped shape and enrich national culture. Additional tributes will be paid to prominent Arab cultural figures, in partnership with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), alongside literary award ceremonies, including the Ibn Battouta Prize for Travel Literature and the National Reading Prize.
As in past editions, a varied program designed for children and students will run throughout the event.
The 30th edition of SIEL seeks to reaffirm its role as a flagship cultural event, contributing to the revitalization of the national cultural scene and reinforcing Rabat’s status as a prominent cultural destination, especially as the city prepares to be designated World Book Capital in 2026.
Upon his arrival at the Fair, HRH Prince Moulay Rachid reviewed a detachment of the Auxiliary Forces presenting honors, before being greeted by the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid; HH Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the Sharjah Book Authority; and Ahmed Ben Rakkad Al Ameri, Executive Chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority.
His Royal Highness was also greeted by Driss El Yazami, President of the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME); Mohamed Yacoubi, Wali of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Region and Governor of the Rabat Prefecture; Rachid El Abdi, President of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Regional Council; and Salim Al Malik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).
HRH Prince Moulay Rachid was also greeted by Fatiha El Moudni, President of the Municipal Council; Abdelaziz Driouich, President of the Prefectural Council; Latifa Moftaqir, Director of the Archives of the Kingdom and General Commissioner of SIEL; Salah-Eddine Abkari, Acting Secretary General of the Department of Culture; and Ghyzlaine Derrous, Director of Books, SaLibraries and Archives.
