The celebration began with an exhibition for cover design from the Faculty of Arts and Design, followed by the opening of the book fair, which included 25 publishing houses this year. The attendees visited the book pavilion that the Japan Foundation participated in and the General Authority for Books pavilion. For the first time, the exhibition presented a newspaper in Braille format, hosting works by the Association of the Blind and People with Special Needs.
Then, everyone attended the music concert featuring the Tanoura dance group, the Japanese musical band playing the oldest musical instrument provided by the Japan Foundation, and concluded with a performance by the great artist Mohamed Wahidi and a symphony orchestra. This was followed by the opening ceremony, where the Japan Foundation was honoured as a participant in the event, along with the Japanese Embassy, the Ministry of Culture, and the artist Nabil Maher. Several icons of creativity and culture were also honoured for their enriching contributions to this year's cultural life, including:
- The prominent counselor and writer Bahaa El Marri for his overall work and leadership in the field of judicial literature in Egypt and the Arab world.
- Dr. Gamal Moustafa Saeed for his book "Pain and Hope: The Knife of Wounds and the Splendor of Blood," selected as the best work to represent Egypt abroad for the year 2024 and his leadership in the field of medical literature in Egypt and the Arab world.
- The great poet Hussein Qabbahi, president of Luxor Poetry House, for his significant role as a major poet in enriching the poetic movement in Egypt and nurturing generations of young poets who represent the future of poetry in Egypt and the Arab world.
- Dr. Sahar Tawfik for her contributions to the field of translation, particularly her translations of the American historian Peter Gran.
- The great critic Dr. Shareef El Geyyar for his extensive works in literary criticism that enriched literary and cultural life in Egypt.
- The great writer Dr. Tarek Mansour for his fictional and narrative writings, particularly his short story collection "I am the Attracted."
- The prominent screenwriter Abdel Rahim Kamal for the series "Al Hashashin" and his artistic works which enrich public awareness and provide an exemplary model for screenplay art.
- The great political writer Dr. Essam Hamza for his writings and role in enriching the common cultural atmosphere between Egypt and Japan.
- The artist director Hisham El Nahrawy for the cultural and intellectual awareness his television works have brought to Egyptian society.
Additionally, the book fair was pleased to present a token of appreciation to the great maestro artist Mohamed Wahidi for his valuable participation that enriched the activities of the seventh annual book fair. Moreover, awards were distributed for Mama Nawal Literary Creativity Competition for MSA students and graduates, with judging in poetry by the great poet Ahmed Sweilam and in short stories by the great poet and critic Dr. Ahmed Afifi. The winners of this year's competition were:
Short Story Competition:
- First Place: "The Last Speech" by student Hager Magdy Mohamed.
- Second Place: "The Secret of the Greatest Wisdom" by student Yara Hazem Ali.
- Third Place: "Our Gluey Land" by student Shahd Mohamed Farouk.
Poetry Competition:
- First Place: "Awareness Awakening" by student Mariam Khattab.
- Second Place: "Gratitude Poetry" by student Rawan Hamada.
- Third Place: "O Self" by student Hussam Mahdi.
The opening ceremony also featured a segment titled "I am an Entrepreneur" which included two parts: a segment with business entrepreneur Dr. Sarah El Gendy, who shared her experience as a female business leader and encouraged youth to follow in her footsteps. She also announced the signing of a cooperation protocol with the university to provide students with opportunities for training and work in her company PGS Supplies. The second part featured Mrs. Amal Ismail, the oldest woman to complete her education in Egypt and enroll in a doctoral program at the age of 82. Her segment aimed to inspire young people to overcome challenges and instill hope in their souls.