The Riyadh Book Fair 2024 has opened as the largest edition in its history, drawing over 2,000 local, Arab, and international publishers. Organised by the Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission under Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, the event has cemented its reputation as a key cultural gathering in the Arab world. This year’s fair is particularly focused on cultural diversity and the exchange of ideas across borders, as Saudi Arabia continues to promote its cultural openness.
Among the notable highlights of the fair are the numerous international figures from the world of literature, art, and knowledge who are set to speak at the event. High-profile guests include Fareed Zakaria, the media commentator and author; Walter Isaacson, biographer of Steve Jobs and Albert Einstein; poet and writer Kwame Alexander; and acclaimed American novelist Jonathan Franzen. Additionally, the fair will host a range of intellectuals and artists from the Middle East, offering a broad spectrum of perspectives and insights.
Dr Mohammed Hasan Alwan, CEO of the Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission, emphasised the importance of the event in the cultural landscape of the region. “The Riyadh International Book Fair is not only one of the most significant book fairs in the Arab world but also a vital platform for publishers and authors to expand their reach within the Arab cultural market,” he said. This year’s focus on translation, he added, underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting cross-cultural dialogue.
In a sign of the event’s international appeal, His Excellency Chang Hua, the Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, attended the opening day of the fair. He praised the Saudi public’s enthusiasm for reading and the significant role the fair plays in fostering cultural ties. Fareed Zakaria, speaking at the event, also lauded Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation and its rising influence on the global stage.
The fair continues to play a key role in realising the cultural objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a broad plan aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy and enhancing its cultural sector. The Kingdom’s cultural economy is expected to reach $9.3 billion as part of this strategy, with the book fair drawing over a million visitors annually. It is also one of the highest-grossing book fairs in the Arab region.
This year sees the return of the popular “Riyadh Reads French” initiative, which includes the participation of several French publishers. This initiative has been expanded to include activities for children and free French language courses in collaboration with the French Cultural Institute. Al-Saeed Ezz, Communication Officer at the French Embassy, said that this year’s programme is intended to bring French culture closer to Saudi visitors, particularly through educational activities.
As the fair continues to grow, it showcases Saudi Arabia’s ambition to build a more culturally diverse and globally connected society. The event reflects the Kingdom’s evolving cultural landscape, offering visitors an array of opportunities to engage with literature and ideas from around the world.
