Preparations Underway for Riyadh International Book Fair

Preparations Underway for Riyadh International Book Fair
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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 Arabia Launches Arab Week at UNESCO in Paris

Saudi Arabia launches Arab Week at UNESCO in Paris. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia launches Arab Week at UNESCO in Paris. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Launches Arab Week at UNESCO in Paris

Saudi Arabia launches Arab Week at UNESCO in Paris. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia launches Arab Week at UNESCO in Paris. (SPA)

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday inaugurated the first Arab Week at UNESCO initiative in Paris in an event organized by the Arab Group at the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The event was attended by Saudi Arabia’s permanent Arab representatives, several ambassadors, Arab and international diplomats in France, and a group of UNESCO officials and leaders.
Marking the first of its kind in the Arab world in over half a century, the event was officially launched by Jordanian Ambassador to France Leena Al-Hadid, who also serves as the chair of the Arab Group at UNESCO.
Al-Hadid emphasized that the event provides a unique opportunity to spotlight the rich cultural heritage of the Arab world that spans centuries, referring to the region's extensive contributions to science, philosophy, literature, and arts.
During the launch, Al-Hadid extended the Arab Group's appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its valuable initiative and to Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan for his efforts and support in making this exceptional event possible for the Arab countries, which drew significant cultural participation from various nations.
Throughout Arab Week at UNESCO, 22 booths representing the Arab countries are showcasing their cultural heritage, history, and elements of their civilizations, interacting with visitors, engaging audiences, and boosting cultural ties among organizers and attendees from around the globe.
The event also features seven seminars covering topics such as language, calligraphy, Arabic literature, artificial intelligence, education and fine arts, intangible cultural heritage, and world heritage. The seminars attracted academic institutions, experts, and specialists from the fields of education, culture, and science, aiming to reach ambitious ideas based on deep research rooted in Arab experiences tied to centuries-long heritage, civilization, and history.