The Iraqi capital is preparing to host the 26th edition of the Baghdad International Book Fair, set to take place from September 10 to 21 at the Baghdad International Fairgrounds in the Mansour district.

As one of the most prominent cultural events in Iraq and the region, the fair serves as a major gathering point for publishing houses, intellectuals, and authors from across the Arab world and beyond. This year, the State of Qatar will be featured as the guest of honor, highlighting a growing cultural partnership aimed at fostering dialogue and the exchange of ideas between the two countries.

The Qatari pavilion will present a rich and diverse program, including intellectual seminars, lectures, and a photography exhibition showcasing aspects of Qatari daily life and modern landmarks. Visitors will also experience elements of Qatar’s traditional heritage through live workshops on wooden shipbuilding and traditional goldsmithing, all housed within an architectural pavilion designed to reflect authentic Qatari identity.

Jassim Ahmed Al-Buainain, Director of the Libraries Department at Qatar’s Ministry of Culture, noted that Qatar’s participation reflects the strong fraternal ties between Iraq and Qatar.

"Culture is a vital bridge for communication and human dialogue," he stated.

While the official list of participating countries has yet to be announced, organizers anticipate wide representation from Iraqi, Arab, and international publishing houses, continuing the tradition of past editions. Previous fairs have attracted publishers and participants from Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and several European countries.

It is worth noting that last year’s edition was held under the theme “Iraq Reads”, with the United Arab Emirates as the guest of honor. That event featured around 600 publishing houses from 20 countries, drawing tens of thousands of visitors and affirming Baghdad’s central role in the region’s cultural scene.