The Cairo Art Book Fair (CABF) returns for its fourth edition from December 11-13, 2025, transforming Ghurnata Community Space in Heliopolis into a vibrant hub for independent publishing and artistic exchange.
CABF: A Platform for Independent Publishing Voices
Founded by Nour El Safoury and Marwa Benhalim in 2022, CABF emerged from a simple need: creating space for art books and independent publications in a region where traditional literature dominates. El Safoury, founder of Esmat Publishing List, faced constant distribution difficulties with her art books and wanted to build a community of like-minded publishers and readers. Benhalim, an Egyptian/Libyan artist and curator, recognized the same gap while working at Townhouse Gallery.
Together, they’ve created something unique, an annual Cairo fair combined with a traveling exhibition that showcases Egyptian and regional publications at international venues including Athens, London, Istanbul, Milan, and Sharjah.
Extraordinary Growth: CABF Attendance Triples by 2023
The numbers tell a remarkable story. The inaugural 2022 edition drew 1,500 visitors over three days. By 2023, attendance had tripled to 5,000 visitors, with exhibitors increasing from 30 to 50. This growth happened almost entirely through word of mouth, driven by genuine community interest rather than traditional advertising.
What to Expect at the 2025 Cairo Art Book Fair
CABF showcases diverse publishing forms, from traditional art books and monographs to zines, photobooks, independent magazines, and experimental works. The fair features exhibitors from across Egypt and the SWANA region, including Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, and Sudan.
Beyond browsing and purchasing publications, visitors can attend talks, panel discussions, book launches, and readings. The historic setting of Ghurnata Palace adds atmosphere to these contemporary conversations, connecting Cairo’s rich cultural heritage with its vibrant present.
A Revival of Print: Exploring Risograph and Handmade Techniques
In an increasingly digital age, CABF celebrates the tactile and handmade. “There is a very exciting community emerging in Cairo and the Arab region interested in exploring letterpress printing and new printing techniques such as Risograph,” El Safoury noted. “Within our arts and culture community, there is almost a revival for printing techniques.”
The fair has also responded to regional concerns, dedicating space to Palestine-relevant artworks and publications, with a portion of profits from international exhibitions donated to Palestinian causes.
Building Community Across the SWANA Region
While books are available for purchase, CABF’s true value lies in the connections it facilitates. The fair remains accessible, exhibitor fees are kept deliberately low, and admission is free. For three days each December, it becomes a gathering point for artists, publishers, and cultural workers across the region.
In a cultural landscape often fragmented by economic and political challenges, the Cairo Art Book Fair proves that spaces where independent voices can flourish will always find their audience.
