On the morning of Monday, April 21, 2025 (23 Shawwal 1446 AH), the 47th Islamic Book Fair was officially opened under the slogan "Towards Civilizational Awareness." The event, organized by the Social Reform Association at its headquarters in Al-Rawdah, was inaugurated under the patronage of Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Minister of Information, Culture, and Youth Affairs, and attended by Dr. Khaled Mathkour Al-Mathkour, Chairman of the Social Reform Association, alongside members of the Board of Directors and a distinguished gathering of cultural and religious figures.

The fair was honored by the presence of Qatar’s Deputy Ambassador Ali bin Abdullah Zaid Al-Mahmoud and Turkish Ambassador Tuba Nur Sönmez, along with a group of political, cultural, and religious leaders, as well as writers and publishing houses participating in the event.

The opening ceremony began with a speech by Siham Al-Dawas Al-Azmi, Director of the National Library and representative of the Minister of Information. She highlighted the importance of reading and culture, praised the Social Reform Association’s efforts in promoting awareness and preserving Arab and Islamic identity, and expressed her joy that the fair coincides with Kuwait’s selection as the Arab Cultural Capital.

Al-Azmi extended her gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, as well as the Minister of Information and event organizers.

In his speech, Dr. Khaled Al-Mathkour, Chairman of the Social Reform Association, expressed gratitude to His Highness the Emir and the Minister of Information and Culture, along with all participants, attendees, and visitors from around the world. He emphasized the importance of conscious reading and Islamic culture, stating that the Islamic Book Fair is not just an annual event, but a platform for promoting moderate thought, supporting culture, and preserving Arab and Islamic identity. He highlighted that the Social Reform Association has been committed to this mission for 47 consecutive years and will continue with the support of Kuwait as the Arab Cultural Capital and the intellectual community across the Arab and Islamic world.

The 47th Islamic Book Fair kicked off with an unprecedented turnout, attracting students from schools and universities, enthusiasts of Islamic and Arabic culture, and intellectual and literary figures. The event also saw wide participation from writers, authors, and publishing houses from across the world, marking a distinctive beginning to this annual cultural gathering, which brings together knowledge, faith, and identity.