Cairo International Book Fair to open on 22 January

Egypt’s Culture Minister Shaker Abdel-Hamid has announced the Cairo International Book Fair (CBIF) will open on 22 January. “Holding the fair on its originally scheduled date deepens the feeling that Egypt is safe and reflects positively on culture and tourism,” said Shaker. “SCAF and the interior minister approved the decision,” he added. The General Egyptian Book Organisation (GBEO) welcomed the announcement which came after the controversy sparked by Abdel-Hamid’s decision last week to postpone the fair until February to avoid clashing with the first anniversary of the January 25 Revolution. Ahmed Megahed, the head of the GEBO, said “The decision is a relief for all parties. It had to be taken to maintain the fair’s international reputation and to support publishers.” Megahed said 29 Arab and foreign countries would be participating in the fair and the organisation would secure all entrances with electronic gates. “The guest of honour will be Tunisia and the main theme of the fair will be ‘One year of the January 25 Revolution’,” he added.