Over 2,000 publishing houses showcasing their titles as international book fair kicks off in Riyadh

Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — More than 2,000 Saudi, Arab and international publishing houses and agencies from more than 30 countries are showcasing their titles at the Riyadh International Book Fair 2024, which kicked off on Thursday.

Visitors and book fans will enjoy a unique intellectual and cultural experience with a rich program of more than 200 events suited to all ages at the fair spreading across 800 pavilions at King Saud University. A large number of writers, thinkers, intellectuals and book enthusiasts from inside and outside Saudi Arabia, are attending the festival of books.

The book fair, under the theme “Riyadh Reads,” is organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission. The festival, which will run until October 5, consolidates Riyadh’s position as one of the most important international cultural platforms in the Arab world. The festival features the participation of Saudi, Arab, and international cultural organizations and institutions, making it a key platform for publishers, as well as for intellectual and cultural exchange, and a meeting point for writers.

This year, Qatar is the guest of honor at the book fair, 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 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 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.

Various cultural events, including seminars, panel discussions, lectures, poetry evenings, theatrical performances, and workshops addressing a wide range of topics, will be held on the sidelines of the fair. There will be a dedicated children’s area with cultural and entertainment activities, a special section for showcasing works by Saudi authors, and platforms for book signings, offering the public the chance to meet their favorite authors and get their latest releases signed.

The book fair is open to the public daily for 10 days from 11 am to 12 am, except on Fridays when it opens from 2 pm to 12 am.