The activities of the Riyadh International Book Fair 2024, organised by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission of the Saudi ministry of culture, kicked off at the campus of King Saud University under the slogan *Riyadh Reads.
Qatar is the guest of honour at the exhibition this year.
Over 2,000 local and international publishing houses are taking part in the exhibition, which will continue until October 5.
The event features more than 800 pavilions and represents publishers from over 30 countries.
In a statement to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), the director of the Libraries Department at Qatar’s Ministry of Culture Jassim Ahmed al-Buainain, who is also the director of the Doha International Book Fair, said that Qatar's selection as the guest of honour is an opportunity to showcase the strong cultural and historical ties between the two brotherly countries.
He indicated that the ministry is participating in a cultural programme accompanying the exhibition, holding seminars, lectures, and a poetry evening, in addition to having a Qatari folk band throughout the days of the festival.
Saudi Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission chief executive Dr Mohammed Hasan Alwan stated that the exhibition is a significant annual cultural event in the region.
The exhibition features a 10-day cultural programme with over 200 activities, including panel discussions, poetry evenings showcasing prominent poets of both classical and Nabati poetry, workshops across various knowledge fields, storytelling sessions, and diverse events aimed at educating and enriching children's skills. – QNA
