Saudi Arabia Launches Jeddah Book Fair to Promote Reading and Culture
The Saudi General Authority for Literature, Publishing and Translation has officially inaugurated the Jeddah Book Fair, which runs until December 21 at the Jeddah Superdome. This year's fair features participation from 1,000 local and international publishing houses and agencies from 22 countries, showcasing over 450 pavilions. The event aims to bolster the local publishing industry and foster a culture of reading among the Saudi population.
The theme for this edition, ‘Ports of Culture,’ was selected to highlight the diverse range of content available at the fair. Abdul Latif Al-Wasil, Director General of the Publishing Department, emphasized the importance of engaging the youth and children, stating that the fair includes over 100 events such as seminars, workshops, and interactive activities designed specifically for younger audiences. This initiative aligns with the broader vision of nurturing a generation that values literature and reading.
Additionally, the fair celebrates 2024 as the “Year of the Camel,” a part of Saudi Arabia's Cultural Years initiative, featuring a dedicated pavilion that explores the significance of camels in Arab culture and their representation in poetry.
