Riyadh International Book Fair 2022 kicks off

Packed with poets, page-turners and publishing pros, the fair looks set to be a bestseller.

Bookworms, this one’s for you. The Riyadh International Book Fair 2022 is back, bringing together local and international talent from the publishing industry. Taking place until 8 October in Riyadh Front, the event includes conferences, workshops, guest speakers and, of course, books.

Riyadh International Book Fair takes place each year in the capital, and is organised by the Ministry of Culture and the Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission. The event is one of the region’s largest book festivals, putting Saudi Arabia on the map as a key player in the publishing industry. 

 Riyadh International Book Fair 2022 is a platform for companies, institutions and individuals to connect with professionals and the public. Plus, the festival aims to promote reading in the kingdom, as part of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince’s Saudi Vision 2030.

Conferences and workshops 

Across Riyadh International Book Fair 2022, guests can join cultural programs, which include poetry evenings with the likes of Nabati and Al Fasih poets. The poetry readings take place on the main stage and are a crowd pleaser. 

If you’re keen to learn new literary skills, there are experts on hand to help. Visitors can sign up for workshops covering art, reading, writing, publishing, bookmaking and translation. Plus, if you are travelling with children, you’ll be pleased to hear that there is a dedicated Child’s Pavilion. 

Lovers of Arabic poetry, take note. The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) is hosting panel discussions, book launches and workshops at the fair. ALC will present 450 ALC titles and launch the second part of the Arabic Poetry Series. The series aims to shine a light on the heritage and beauty of Arab poetry.

Sotheby’s exhibition

Sotheby’s is showcasing a special exhibition at Riyadh International Book Fair 2022, which includes first-edition manuscripts, a globe from 1840 and photos of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Saudi Arabia. 

The collection includes the first edition of L’Art Arabe d’apres les monuments du Kaire, which is a 19th century book on Islamic art. The World Globe was created by John Addison and G&J Cary, and includes the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Plus, the photos of The Queen were taken during her 1979 trip, and capture her historic meeting with King Khalid.

Riyadh International Book Fair Awards 

The event also hosts awards that recognise excellence in the publishing industry. The categories include Publishing Excellence Award, Children’s Publishing Excellence Award, and Distinguished Publishing Award with Translation. Plus, the winners receive a prize of SAR 50,000 for each award. 

So many books, conferences and workshops, so little time. 

GO: Visit https://bookfairs.moc.gov.sa for more information.