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
TT

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 Arabia Launches ‘Common Ground' Festival Celebrating Iraqi Culture

The Common Ground festival began its first day with a diverse program celebrating Iraqi culture. SPA
The Common Ground festival began its first day with a diverse program celebrating Iraqi culture. SPA
TT

Saudi Arabia Launches ‘Common Ground' Festival Celebrating Iraqi Culture

The Common Ground festival began its first day with a diverse program celebrating Iraqi culture. SPA
The Common Ground festival began its first day with a diverse program celebrating Iraqi culture. SPA

The Saudi Ministry of Culture on Wednesday launched the activities and programs of the "Common Ground" festival at Mega Studio in Boulevard City, Riyadh, celebrating Iraqi culture.

The program included an artistic evening and a tribute to Iraqi poet Kareem Al-Iraqi, who had contributed to enriching the artistic, literary, and cultural scene.

The Common Ground festival began its first day with a diverse program celebrating Iraqi culture, which included several seminars discussing cultural and intellectual topics related to the history of both countries.

The festival will continue until December 31, with its cultural program resuming on Thursday with a series of dialogue sessions in collaboration with the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah).