BEIRUT - The 67th Beirut Arab International Book Fair started on October 9 at Seaside Arena on Beirut’s waterfront, bringing together publishers, writers and readers for 10 days of cultural events, book signings and discussions.
Organized by the Arab Cultural Club under the patronage of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, the fair runs from October 9 to 18, according to its official website.
This year’s edition features 163 publishing houses, including 23 Arab publishers, and a cultural programme featuring more than 95 seminars and discussion sessions with around 280 intellectuals, writers and artists, according to figures announced by organizers ahead of the opening.
A Cultural Program Across 10 Days
The fair’s official website lists 90 cultural events, including 61 seminars and nine lectures, alongside meetings, poetry and music evenings, and tributes to prominent cultural figures.
Daily book-signing sessions will give visitors opportunities to meet authors and discover new publications. The programme also includes 10 activities for children, featuring drawing workshops, puppet-making, storytelling, theatre, educational games and competitions.
The schedule includes a musical evening with singer Rima Khcheich on opening day. On October 10, the programme features a session with Algerian novelist Waciny Laredj and a conversation with Lebanese artist Adel Karam.
Later events include a tribute to Lebanese musician Ahmad Kaabour on October 16 and a centenary tribute to journalist and publisher Ghassan Tueni on October 17.
Seven Decades of Book Fair History
The Beirut Arab International Book Fair was first held on April 23, 1956, at West Hall at the American University of Beirut, initiated by the Arab Cultural Club.
The event has since become an annual gathering for the publishing and literary sectors in Lebanon and the wider Arab world. It has been held at Seaside Arena on Beirut’s waterfront since 2004.
The fair combines publishing exhibitions with literary and intellectual discussions, artistic events, school and university visits, and activities designed to encourage reading among younger audiences.
Previous Edition Attracted 75,000 Visitors
Figures published on the fair’s official website show that the 66th edition attracted 75,000 visitors. It also recorded participation from 21 universities and 114 schools, with 8,885 students attending.
The full program and event updates are available on the official website.
