The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced the selection of Rabat, the capital of Morocco, as the World Book Capital for 2026, a recognition of Morocco’s efforts to promote a culture of reading and literary creativity. Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication confirmed in an official statement that this choice reflects the Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to fostering the book as a tool for spreading knowledge and supporting democracy and cultural dialogue. The ministry noted that this event presents a golden opportunity to enhance integration between civil society initiatives and official institutions to build a reading society that celebrates books and provides equal opportunities for all, especially youth.
The ministry explained that Rabat will host a rich and diverse cultural program throughout 2026, featuring creative events such as specialized writing and publishing workshops, open literary discussions, training sessions to develop reading and writing skills, and book exhibitions bringing together local and international publishers. This program aims to highlight Rabat as a vibrant cultural hub, reflecting Morocco’s rich literary heritage and its role in fostering intercultural communication. It will also promote Moroccan literature globally, enhancing the city’s status as a destination for book and reading enthusiasts.
Notably, UNESCO has awarded the World Book Capital title annually since 2001, with Madrid being the first city to receive this honor. Prominent Arab cities followed, including Alexandria in Egypt in 2002, Beirut in Lebanon in 2009, and Sharjah in the UAE in 2019, with Rabat now joining this prestigious list. This selection underscores the growing role of Arab cities in advancing culture and knowledge worldwide, reflecting their commitment to enlightenment and creativity.
