By Shahd Alhamdan
JEDDAH — New publishing houses, more educational and cultural activities, cafes and better car parking facilities are some of the positive features of the ongoing Second Jeddah International Book Fair at the Land of Festivals in South Obhur, according to participants and visitors.
Until Saturday, around 75,000 people have visited the book fair. They said they not only did buy a variety of books, but also enjoyed various educational and entertainment activities at the venue. The facilities included several cafes that serve beverages and light meals, as well as a children’s playing area.
Arwa Khalid, a Saudi visitor in her 20s, said, “I am enjoying the event this year much better than last year. The books presented are better, the display is better and so it is easier to know what is there in each stall. The aisles between stalls are also wider. Having cafes next to the exhibition is a great idea, especially for families visiting during the weekend. Youths working in the fair are very friendly and help the customers a lot.”
Several publishing houses said the number of books sold during the first few days were high compared to last year and the first time participants believe taking part in the fair is a worthy experience.
Zalina Omar, manager of Dakwah Corner Bookstore in Malaysia, said, “We have been selling our books in Makkah for more than 10 years. This year we like to take the opportunity to offer more Islamic books to our English readers. Our bookstore focuses more on authenticity of knowledge than the volume of sales. Thank God, the response is very good.”
Omar explained that people are curious about what a Malaysian bookstore has to offer and are keen to know about the books on display.
She added that they would repeat the experience by participating in upcoming book fairs.
Mohammed Al-Awaji, media committee chairman of the book fair, told Saudi Gazette that 450 local, Gulf and international publishing houses are participating in the exhibition. He said more than 200 authors are also on hand to sign books.
Cultural and educational activities taking place on the sidelines of the fair will continue for 10 days. They include seminars, workshops and children’s plays, Al-Awaji said.
“There are seminars about Internet hackers and copyright violations. A group of professionals will present workshops on designing and cinema directing,” he said.
The organizers have made unprecedented and meticulous arrangements for the festival of reading, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for visitors.
