Preparations Underway for Riyadh International Book Fair

Preparations Underway for Riyadh International Book Fair
TT

Preparations Underway for Riyadh International Book Fair

Preparations Underway for Riyadh International Book Fair

Saudi Arabia's Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission continues to prepare to hold this year's Riyadh International Book Fair, scheduled to take place from September 26 to October 5 at the King Saud University campus in Riyadh.

The event feature writers, intellectuals, and thought leaders from the Kingdom and abroad, as well as over 2,000 local, Arab, and international publishing houses from 30 countries, which will further solidify the fair’s status as one of the most significant international cultural platforms in the Arab world.

The fair will feature 800 pavilions and over 200 events suitable for all age groups and activities focused on promoting the culture of reading and fostering cultural creativity.

An area dedicated to children will offer literary, cultural, and recreational activities and competitions that aim to nurture creativity in children and youths. Activities will also focus on developing young people’s love for reading, nurturing curiosity, and discovering and honing their talents.

The fair will also contain a special area for self-published Saudi authors, reflecting the commitment of the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission to fostering a supportive environment for cultural creativity, strengthening the local publishing industry, empowering Saudi writers, and providing them with a platform to present their literary works to a broad audience.

Qatar will be the guest of honor at this year's fair, showcasing its cultural and intellectual heritage through a special pavilion featuring rare manuscripts and publications from its Ministry of Culture.

Commission CEO Dr. Mohammed Alwan underscored the significance of the Riyadh International Book Fair, which, he said, spans five decades and is one of the region's foremost cultural events. Its success, he added, reflects the Saudi leadership's unwavering support for the cultural sector and solidifies the Kingdom's role in shaping the Arab cultural landscape.

The fair provides culture and book enthusiasts with a journey that integrates the latest modern technologies and digital solutions, he stated. It offers them the opportunity to explore thousands of new publications in various fields, and to take part in a diverse and rich cultural program that involves prominent figures in culture, art, and literature from Saudi Arabia, the region and the world.



Saudi Museums Commission, Philharmonie de Paris Seek to Deepen Cooperation in Music, Museums

The agreement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s cultural ambitions under Vision 2030. SPA
The agreement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s cultural ambitions under Vision 2030. SPA
TT

Saudi Museums Commission, Philharmonie de Paris Seek to Deepen Cooperation in Music, Museums

The agreement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s cultural ambitions under Vision 2030. SPA
The agreement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s cultural ambitions under Vision 2030. SPA

The Saudi Museums Commission has signed an executive program with the Cité de la Musique – Philharmonie de Paris to boost cooperation in the fields of museums and music.

The agreement, which aligns with Saudi Arabia’s cultural ambitions under Vision 2030, aims to strengthen cultural ties and foster joint initiatives between the two nations. It was signed by Museums Commission Acting CEO Ibrahim Alsanousi and Philharmonie de Paris CEO Olivier Mantei.

Key areas of cooperation include artifact loans, shared collections, and the exchange of historical musical instruments with the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum in Jeddah. The program also covers collaborative traveling exhibitions and cultural events.

The executive program calls for the development of specialized training and educational initiatives for children and families, including workshops and interactive installations adapted from the Philharmonie’s programs for young audiences.

It also facilitates the exchange of expertise through researcher visits, seminars, and collaborative academic publications related to both permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Alsanousi said the agreement represents a major step forward in cultural collaboration between Saudi Arabia and France. He emphasized that music is a key element of cultural identity and that the partnership will help transform the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum into an interactive and inspiring space for musical education and engagement.

Mantei praised the agreement and expressed pride in working with the Museums Commission. He commended Saudi Arabia’s cultural vision and said the partnership reflects a strong commitment to mutual artistic and social dialogue.

The signing of the executive program followed a cultural memorandum of understanding between the Saudi Ministry of Culture and the French Ministry of Culture, which seeks to strengthen cultural cooperation and support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.