The Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 will kick off Thursday, and will run until Oct. 5.
The fair, in which the State of Qatar is the guest of honor this year, features an extensive cultural program with the participation of a large number of prominent figures from the world of culture, literature, and arts, as well as key leading publishing houses from Saudi Arabia, the Arab region, and the world.
Director of the Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture and Director of the Doha International Book Fair Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain said "The Ministry of Culture is keen to participate in such international fairs that reflect aspects of Qatari literature and culture. The participation in the Riyadh International Book Fair includes showcasing the Ministry's diverse and new publications in various fields of knowledge, including novels, law, social sciences, and humanities, as well as featuring distinguished publications for children and young readers."
Al Buainain added that the Ministry of Culture's participation in the fair aims to build new relationships with professionals in the fields of culture and publishing, in addition to showcasing the intellectual production of Qatari publishing houses.
The Saudi Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the organizer of the event, said that the State of Qatar will be the guest of honor at the current edition of the Book Fair, and that this decision reflects the pioneering cultural role of the State of Qatar in the Gulf and Arab cultural scene as well as the depth of its strong cultural and historical ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
It also pointed out that this represents a distinctive opportunity for visitors to learn about Qatari achievements in various fields of culture, art and literature, meet leading Qatari cultural, creative, and artistic figures, and explore the distinguished literary and cultural publications of Qatari authors that are displayed by many Qatari publishing houses and cultural entities participating in the fair this year. The State of Qatar is also participating with a miniature pavilion for children on the art of Islamic architecture and the design of children's stories.
During the fair, the Commission will create a tribute corridor to honor the late Saudi and Arab literary icon, poet Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsin, recognizing his literary and cultural legacy and his contributions to the local and Arab cultural scene.
The Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 will be held with the participation of over 2,000 local, Arab and international publishing houses and agencies from over 30 countries, distributed across 800 pavilions.
