Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University, participated today in the opening ceremony of the 21st Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Book Fair, held from 6 to 20 July in cooperation with the Egyptian General Book Organization, the Egyptian Publishers Association, and the Arab Publishers Association, under the sponsorship of ABC Bank. The fair brings together 86 Egyptian and Arab publishing houses and features a rich cultural program comprising more than 410 events, reflecting Alexandria's longstanding status as a beacon of culture, knowledge, and creativity.

The opening ceremony was attended by Eng. Ayman Attia, Governor of Alexandria; Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina; Ambassador Noha El-Gebaly, Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Universities; Dr. Ashraf El-Azzazi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Culture; Dr. Ahmed Nabawy Makhlouf, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, representing the Minister of Awqaf; Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser, Consul General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Alexandria; in addition to a number of executive, cultural, and academic leaders, as well as prominent intellectuals, writers, and media figures.

Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim affirmed that the Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Book Fair is one of the most significant cultural and intellectual events in Egypt and the Arab region, reflecting the Bibliotheca Alexandrina's distinguished role as a leading center of knowledge and a platform for cultural dialogue. He noted that the fair has become an annual gathering for distinguished intellectuals, authors, and publishers, contributing to the dissemination of culture and the promotion of the values of knowledge and enlightenment. He further emphasized that Alexandria University is committed to participating in major cultural events as part of its mission to contribute to human development alongside its educational and research roles. He added that culture is a fundamental pillar in preparing generations capable of critical thinking, creativity, and innovation, in line with Egypt's vision and the directives of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to invest in human capital and build a knowledge-based society.

This year's edition features an extensive cultural program with more than 410 events, including intellectual, literary, and scientific seminars, workshops, poetry evenings, artistic performances, and panel discussions addressing topics such as artificial intelligence, heritage, technology, mental health, and legislation. The program also includes open discussions with leading intellectuals, writers, artists, and public figures from Egypt and across the Arab world. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is also showcasing a distinguished selection of its latest publications, alongside a dedicated children's books section and a rare and antiquarian books pavilion in cooperation with the Azbakeya Book Market vendors. The 21st edition honors the late renowned film director Daoud Abdel Sayed as the Fair's Personality of the Year, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Egyptian cinema.