Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH —The Literature, Publishing &Translation Commission continues its preparations to organize the Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 from September 26 to October 5 at King Saud University in Riyadh.

More than 2,000 local, Arab and international publishing houses and agencies from more than 30 countries will participate in the fair, spread across 800 pavilions, in the presence of an elite group of writers, thinkers and intellectuals from inside and outside Saudi Arabia, which consolidates its position as one of the most important international cultural platforms in the Arab world.

Qatar is the guest of honor at the Book Fair this year, with the participation of the most important pioneers of culture, literature and art and the most prominent entities concerned with cultural work in that country.

It also allows the public to learn about the cultural and intellectual heritage of Qatar, through a special pavilion at the exhibition that includes a collection of rare manuscripts and a number of publications of the Qatari Ministry of Culture.

The CEO of the Commission, Dr. Muhammad Alwan, stressed that the continuation of the Riyadh International Book Fair for five decades and its great importance in terms of the most prominent cultural events in the region is an embodiment of the vision of the wise leadership in Saudi Arabia and its continuous interest in culture, and the consolidation of the Kingdom's important position in shaping the Arab cultural scene.

He stressed that choosing Qatar as the guest of honor for the current edition allows for reviewing the strong cultural and historical ties between the two brotherly countries and enables visitors to the exhibition to see the many Qatari achievements in various fields of culture.

"The Book Fair offers its visitors, who are lovers of culture and books, an innovative cultural and cognitive journey that keeps pace with and employs the latest technologies and digital solutions and enables them to learn about thousands of new publications and titles in various fields.” Dr. Alwan said.

The Riyadh International Book Fair is one of the most prominent and largest book fairs in the Arab world, and is highly appreciated by the local and Arab cultural community.

It offers a more diverse and distinctive cultural program that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia and includes more than 200 events suitable for all age groups, and many cognitive and intellectual activities that promote the culture of reading and encourage cultural creativity.

This year’s edition is witnessing notable developments, including the establishment of a business zone with the participation of literary agencies that manage authors’ businesses and contracts, and local printing presses as their first participation in the Book Fair to provide their services to publishers, in addition to pavilions of government and financing agencies related to the business sector in publishing.

It pays special attention to children, as it allocates a large area that offers dozens of literary, cultural, and entertainment activities and competitions that enhance the creative abilities of children and youth.

Book signing platforms allow book lovers to meet their favorite authors, receive special gifts, and acquire the latest distinguished releases.

The pavilions of participating governmental and private cultural and intellectual bodies, community institutions interested in culture, and universities also showcase their latest releases and various cultural initiatives.