Rabat to become UNESCO ‘s World Book Capital for 2026

This April, Rio de Janeiro will pass the title of UNESCO’s World Book Capital onto Rabat. With it comes a whole host of exciting events and activities within the African city, which will hold onto the crown until 2027 when it will once again move across the world.

Rabat is home to 54 publishing houses, hosts the third largest publishing fair in Africa and has a thriving indie bookshop scene.

Our top Rabat recommendations:

1. Librairie Papeterie Basta – Classic local favourite in Agdal with a strong selection of fiction, non-fiction and school textbooks.

2. Livremoi – Well-reviewed bookstore with a large variety of books in French and other languages.

3. The English Bookshop – Rabat’s well-loved English-language bookstore with both new and used titles — a cosy spot especially if you’re looking for English books.

4. Librairie Alfia مكتبة الألفية – Very long-established bookstore on Avenue Mohammed V with a broad range of books and stationery.

5. Librarie Bookstore Livre Book Service – Popular local bookstore with a diverse inventory.

6. Librairie Dar Al Amane – Well-rated bookshop with a good mix of titles.

7. Librairie Al Maarif – Another solid choice for a variety of books in Rabat.

8. Bouquiniste El azizi – Historic, one-of-a-kind used-book stall run by a local bookseller in the Medina — perfect for vintage finds.

A programme of events is also being planned, which will range from masterclasses and talks from experts and writers, to reading ‘marathons’, where you can join a group of like-minded nerds (in the best way possible) to read to your heart’s content.