Madina: Literary and other creative offerings from over 300 local, regional and international publishers and agencies are featured at the 4th Madina Book Fair held at the King Salman International Convention Centre.
Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Committee, The Fair begins Tuesday and continues until August 4th, featuring over 200 pavilions, offering visitors the opportunity to explore a rich cultural and literary experience that reflects Saudi Arabia's vibrant intellectual scene. Prince Salman bin Sultan, governor of the Madina region, was one of the early visitors.
Bassam al-Bassam, general manager of publishing at the committee, told Arab News that the organization is working to continue developing and strengthening the event.
“At the end of last year's book fair, we gathered feedback and comments from visitors and publishers and introduced improvements based on them,” he said.
“This year… we introduced the Saudi Arabian Publishing Corner, focusing on self-published authors.
“We present a rich and diverse cultural programme that touches the people of Madinah. There are also many activities and games for our children. This comes from our belief that we need to invest in our love for books and love for new generations.”
“We are pleased to announce that Abdul Latif Al-Wasel, CEO of the committee, said:
The Fair offers readers and culture enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the latest book releases while engaging with authors, intellectuals and industry experts. Organizers said this year's event will feature a diverse cultural programme designed to appeal to all interests, with the aim of promoting dialogue and strengthening Saudi Arabia's role in regional and global literary landscapes.
Seminars, panel discussions and workshops cover a wide range of topics, ranging from the role of artificial intelligence in the power of language and advancement of knowledge to the challenges of translation in efforts to bridge culture. Other sessions explore the historical narratives of Hajj and Umrah's cultural influences, as well as the Madina itself.
The Fair is bringing the spotlight to other creative products besides books. For example, books and creativity products from British publisher Harper have been making waves this year among visitors looking for their own creative outlets. This is the third year in which the business has attended the event, and its booth features a variety of innovative products that combine art and relaxation.
“Everyone here is so kind and we can see a big income every time we come,” said Motasem Abudahab, president of the company.
“We sell easy-to-draw paintings and paint them with numbers so that everyone can create their own art. It's therapeutic and the joy of people's faces is valuable.”
Harper's booth proves to be popular again this year, he added.
“There are so many happy people here. It's great to see them enjoying the process of creating art.”
Another booth that has attracted attention at the fair is from Ana Al Madina, who specializes in virtual reality experiences transporting visitors to the time of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions alike 1,400 years ago.
“Our participation offers a unique opportunity to live exactly the experiences of Madina and Makkah,” said Ammar Mohammed, the company's representative.
The experience gives visitors the opportunity to embark on a 7-minute journey through Madina and an 11-minute exploration of Makka. Meanwhile, they can visit the historic landmarks that appeared at the time, and get a taste of everyday life at the time. Immersive experiences provide education and engagement in new forms that have captivated participants.
The theme, “Year of Handicrafts,” proves that the Ministry of Culture's exhibitions are also popular, officials said.
“This booth presents traditional crafts from various parts of Saudi Arabia,” says Ghalya Kanaani. “Each craft exemplifies the rich and diverse cultures of our kingdom, with a particular focus on the contributions of women in handicrafts.
“The vibrant display celebrates the artistry and heritage of Saudi Arabia's craftsmanship and is a must-see for those interested in cultural heritage.”
Marvin Pepito, president of Little Puffin, a UAE-based publisher, specializes in English books.
“The audience here is respect and fiancée, making my first experience truly memorable.”
He added that there is growing interest in English literature among attendees, and that “there are many people who love books and are passionate about quality content.”
The Literature, Publishing and Translation Committee aims to build a robust and sustainable national publishing industry based on empowerment, rights exchange, Saudi content marketing and international market presence in line with the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 Plan Goal 2030 Plan.
From this perspective, the Madina Book Fair represents not only a milestone in important cultural events, but also a long-term project, a milestone for building a cultural sector that believes in the power of words and invests in the future of knowledge.
