Fez — Barid Al-Maghrib has unveiled a commemorative postage stamp celebrating Rabat’s designation as “World Book Capital 2026,” marking another symbolic step in Morocco’s year-long cultural program around books and reading.
The stamp was launched yesterday at the Museum of Barid Al-Maghrib in Rabat, in partnership with Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication.
The ceremony brought together minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Barid Al-Maghrib Director General Amin Benjelloun Touimi, UNESCO Maghreb office regional director Charaf Ahmimed, and several other cultural figures.
A stamp built around Rabat’s image
The new issue features a design combining Rabat’s landmarks, books, and a globe. The visual language presents the Moroccan capital as both a heritage city and a place open to international cultural exchange.
The stamp is part of the national program celebrating Rabat’s UNESCO recognition. The issue also continues the postal group’s practice of using stamps to document major national, cultural, and historical moments.
In the ceremony, Bensaid said the celebration strengthens Morocco’s position as a center of cultural and civilizational influence at regional and international levels. He also linked Rabat’s designation to Morocco’s broader vision of placing culture, knowledge, and human development at the center of public life.
Rabat’s year of books
UNESCO named Rabat “World Book Capital 2026” in October 2024, following the recommendation of the World Book Capital Advisory Committee.
The organization said the city stood out for its commitment to literary development, reading, youth empowerment, and the fight against illiteracy, especially in underserved communities.
The official year of celebrations began on April 23, coinciding with World Book and Copyright Day. UNESCO said Rabat’s program aims to improve access to books, support the local publishing industry, and reinforce literacy among citizens.
Rabat’s book ecosystem includes 54 publishing houses, a growing number of bookstores, and one of Africa’s leading international book fairs. UNESCO described the city as a cultural crossroads where books help transmit knowledge and the arts.
