With Qatari Participation, Riyadh International Book Fair Activities Kicks off

The activities of the Riyadh International Book Fair 2024, organized 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." The State of Qatar is the guest of honor at the exhibition this year, in a cultural experience in which it showcases its heritage, history, arts and culture. Over 2,000 local and international publishing houses are taking part in the exhibition, which will continue until Oct. 5, the event features more than 800 pavilions and represents publishers from over 30 countries. In a statement to Qatar News Agency , Director of the Libraries Department at the Ministry of Culture and Director of the Doha International Book Fair Jassim Ahmed Al Buainain highlighted that the Ministry of Culture is keen to ensure that Qatar's participation in this year's Riyadh International Book Fair is distinctive. He noted that Qatar's selection as the guest of honor for the 2024 Riyadh Internati onal Book Fair provides an opportunity to showcase the strong cultural and historical ties between the two brotherly countries. He noted that the Ministry of Culture's exhibition participation includes a showcase of diverse new publications in various fields, such as novels, law, and social sciences, along with notable titles for children and young adults. Al Buainain indicated that the Ministry is participating in a cultural program accompanying the exhibition by holding seminars, lectures, and a poetry evening, in addition to the presence of the Qatari folk band throughout the days of the festival. For his part, CEO of the Saudi Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission Dr. Mohammed Hasan Alwan stated that the exhibition is a significant annual cultural event in the region, embodying the Kingdom's cultural heritage for decades and reinforcing its leadership in the cultural and knowledge sectors. He explained that this year's edition features several developments aimed at expanding its offerings t o the local and regional culture and publishing industries. Dr. Alwan emphasized that the exhibition's annual focus on the rich cultural aspects of the guest countries of honor reinforces its role in promoting cultural and knowledge exchange across borders. The exhibition features a ten-day cultural program 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. Source: Qatar News Agency