Riyadh International Book Fair 2025 Showcases Global Publishing Industry
Event highlights Uzbekistan's cultural contributions and features innovative local initiatives.
The Riyadh International Book Fair 2025 commenced on Thursday at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Saudi Arabia.
The two-week event, organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, brings together over 2,000 publishing houses from more than 25 countries.
This year's fair serves as a significant platform for publishers, writers, cultural institutions, and readers to connect within the industry.
Abdullatif Al-Wasel, CEO of the commission, emphasized that the event reflects Saudi Arabia’s strategy to enhance its cultural influence both regionally and globally while promoting community awareness and economic growth aligned with Vision 2030.
Among the key highlights is Uzbekistan's designation as the guest of honor at the fair.
This recognition underscores Uzbekistan’s notable cultural impact and its strong ties with the Kingdom, fostering a partnership that promotes cultural exchange between the two nations.
Uzbekistan’s pavilion showcases rare manuscripts, literary works, and a comprehensive cultural program featuring performances and artistic displays.
In addition to international exhibits, local creativity takes center stage at the event.
Qessati (My Story), an initiative founded by Saudi entrepreneur Omar Tayeb in March 2024, is one of the standout features.
This project personalizes children's books by inserting their photographs, names, hobbies, and interests into illustrated stories.
Since its inception, Qessati has produced over 1,000 books in both Arabic and English, expanding across the Gulf and North Africa.
Omar Tayeb explains the initiative’s goal: to make learning and reading a fun part of a child's daily life by connecting the story with their identity, values, and imagination.
The booth also features an interactive children’s prayer book designed with illustrated characters to assist young readers in memorizing daily supplications.
The fair offers a diverse program of seminars, lectures, poetry evenings, and workshops, alongside an expanded business zone aimed at strengthening the publishing industry and facilitating partnerships.
The event is open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight, with extended hours on Fridays starting at 2 p.m.
The two-week event, organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, brings together over 2,000 publishing houses from more than 25 countries.
This year's fair serves as a significant platform for publishers, writers, cultural institutions, and readers to connect within the industry.
Abdullatif Al-Wasel, CEO of the commission, emphasized that the event reflects Saudi Arabia’s strategy to enhance its cultural influence both regionally and globally while promoting community awareness and economic growth aligned with Vision 2030.
Among the key highlights is Uzbekistan's designation as the guest of honor at the fair.
This recognition underscores Uzbekistan’s notable cultural impact and its strong ties with the Kingdom, fostering a partnership that promotes cultural exchange between the two nations.
Uzbekistan’s pavilion showcases rare manuscripts, literary works, and a comprehensive cultural program featuring performances and artistic displays.
In addition to international exhibits, local creativity takes center stage at the event.
Qessati (My Story), an initiative founded by Saudi entrepreneur Omar Tayeb in March 2024, is one of the standout features.
This project personalizes children's books by inserting their photographs, names, hobbies, and interests into illustrated stories.
Since its inception, Qessati has produced over 1,000 books in both Arabic and English, expanding across the Gulf and North Africa.
Omar Tayeb explains the initiative’s goal: to make learning and reading a fun part of a child's daily life by connecting the story with their identity, values, and imagination.
The booth also features an interactive children’s prayer book designed with illustrated characters to assist young readers in memorizing daily supplications.
The fair offers a diverse program of seminars, lectures, poetry evenings, and workshops, alongside an expanded business zone aimed at strengthening the publishing industry and facilitating partnerships.
The event is open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight, with extended hours on Fridays starting at 2 p.m.
