The Cairo Book Fair Now Has an App

The Cairo International Book Fair has launched an official mobile application, Book Fair Go, to help visitors navigate the venue and plan their visits.

Organisers said the app will go live once the public enters the fairgrounds. Developed by the Ministry of Culture through the General Egyptian Book Organization, in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the platform is designed to address logistical challenges such as finding publishers and following daily events. A central feature is an interactive digital map that enables users to locate exhibition halls, publishers, service points, and facilities. Visitors can search for a specific publisher or book title and receive directions within the fairgrounds.

Organisers say the app aims to streamline movement and reduce congestion by helping visitors reach destinations directly. The platform also includes a searchable database of participating publishers and available titles, allowing visitors to plan in advance and prioritise booths based on interests, including academic, literary, and children’s books.

The app provides a daily schedule of events, covering panel discussions, book signings, workshops, and cultural performances. Users can browse by date, location, or theme to follow talks by particular authors or critics. Visitor support and safety tools are integrated, including options to request assistance, locate volunteers, and access emergency services.

The app can also issue notifications about crowded areas to help manage foot traffic during peak periods.

According to organisers, volunteer support is integrated through “Ana Motatawea” (I Volunteer), founded by Mostafa Ezz Al-Arab, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports, linking digital guidance with on-site assistance throughout the venue. Officials added that the application forms part of broader efforts to modernise coordination and accessibility at large cultural events.