The Riyadh International Book Fair 2019, one of the region’s largest cultural events and slotted for March 13-23, is set to witness the vast participation of over 900 Saudi, Arab and foreign publishing houses representing 30 countries.
For the first time, the event will be honoring seven leading Saudi filmmakers: Saad Khadr, Ibrahim Al Qadi, Khalil Al Rawaf, Saad Al Freih, Abdullah Al Muhaisen, Haifa Al Mansour and Ibrahim Al Hasawi.
The exhibition will also celebrate late Saudi writer and poet Ghazi Al-Gosaibi, as the Arab poet of the year for 2019. Gosaibi was named in consensus by a number of Arab Culture Ministers.
Saudi General Supervisor of Cultural Affairs Abdullah al-Kanani said the fair will officially open its doors on Wednesday.
Starting Thursday, it will be open to visitors from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
According to Kanani, the Riyadh International Book Fair is split into two main wings: cultural and media.
Featuring multi-sector participation, the fair also enjoys the support of Saudi Media Minister Turki Al-Shabanah.
Noting that this year's guest of honor is the Kingdom of Bahrain, Kanani said the Gulf state will take part in over 13 cultural activities.
According to Kanani, the fair has slotted some 1,465 publishing houses, institutions and independent entities, bringing the number of participants up to 1,750 hailing from 30 Arab and foreign countries.
Recognizing the Riyadh International Book Fair as an iconic event for Arab exhibitions, he said it has become a “preferred destination for both publishers and readers.”
A total of 267 authors will hold book-signing events.
He also announced that the 2019 Book Awards will be announced on the sidelines of the fair.
The exhibition will also include a pavilion dedicated to Saudi Vision 2030 and displays for the NEOM, Red Sea and Qiddiya mega projects.
