Rabat Named World Book Capital for 2026

The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
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Rabat Named World Book Capital for 2026

The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
The logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is seen in front of its headquarters in Paris, France, October 4, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated Rabat as the World Book Capital for 2026, following a recommendation from the World Book Capital Advisory Committee.

In a recent statement, UNESCO highlighted the Moroccan capital's commitment to fostering the book industry and encouraging reading through its 54 publishing houses; it also hosts Africa's third-largest international book fair.

Rabat aims to come up with various initiatives to improve access to books, bolster the local publishing sector, and advance literacy among all age groups and demographics, both nationally and internationally.

The statement added that the celebrations are set to commence on April 23, 2026, coinciding with the World Book and Copyright Day.



Saudi Culture Minister Meets with Chinese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

The Saudi Minister of Culture has met with the Chinese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Diriyah. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Culture has met with the Chinese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Diriyah. SPA
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Saudi Culture Minister Meets with Chinese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

The Saudi Minister of Culture has met with the Chinese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Diriyah. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Culture has met with the Chinese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Diriyah. SPA

The Saudi Minister of Culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, has met with Chinese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Chang Hua at the Ministry’s headquarters in Diriyah.
The Minister expressed hope that Monday’s meeting would help strengthen cultural relations between the two countries and thanked China for choosing the Kingdom as the guest of honor at the Beijing International Book Fair last June.

Prince Badr commended the accomplishments of his visit to China in March, during which a memorandum of understanding for cultural cooperation was signed between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism.