Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh International Book Fair 2024, organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Authority under the Ministry of Culture, is scheduled to kick off on September 26th and will run until October 5th at King Saud University in Riyadh.
This book fair is expected to draw approximately 2,000 local, Arab, and international publishing houses from over 30 countries, distributed across 800 booths.
A selection of distinguished authors, thinkers, and intellectuals from inside and outside the kingdom will attend, solidifying the fair’s status as one of the foremost cultural platforms in the Arab world.
This year, Qatar will enjoy the spotlight as the guest of honor, featuring key cultural and literary figures alongside major Qatari cultural organizations.
The Qatari pavilion will offer visitors a glimpse into the nation’s cultural and intellectual heritage through a display of rare manuscripts and publications from Qatar’s Ministry of Culture.
Dr. Mohammad Hassan Alwan, CEO of the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Authority, emphasized the significance of Qatar’s participation, noting it “highlights the deep cultural and historical ties between the two brotherly nations and allows visitors to explore Qatar’s diverse cultural achievements.”
The fair will also feature a rich cultural program in partnership with MBC’s cultural channel, encompassing over 200 events tailored to all age groups, alongside knowledge-based activities that promote reading culture and encourage cultural creativity.
Noteworthy this year is the introduction of a business zone, a first for local printers to participate and offer services directly to publishers, as well as literary agencies managing authors’ contracts.
Additionally, the business zone will host special sessions and workshops on entrepreneurship, licensing, and copyright laws, further enhancing the fair’s role as a nexus for cultural and commercial exchange in the publishing sector.