Abu Dhabi, October 6, 2021: A delegation from the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth visited the Riyadh International Book Fair 2021. Held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the book fair takes place from October 1-10 at Riyadh Front. The Ministry’s delegation participated in the opening of the International Conference of Publishers and the dialogue session presented by Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property.

The delegation, headed by His Excellency Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture and Youth, and Ali Al Shaali, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of the Heritage and Arts Sector, was received by Dr. Abdul Latif Al Wasl, General Manager of the Riyadh International Book Fair. Dr Abdul Latif Al Wasl briefed the attendees about the qualitative initiatives in the publishing sector, the tireless efforts of Saudi Arabia in advancing the writing industry, and the role of the Riyadh International Book Fair in supporting the knowledge and cultural renaissance to promote books and expand their reach among the intellectual community.

The Ministry's delegation met with Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the International Publishers Association (IPA), Founder and President of the Emirates Publishers Association, and Bashar Shabaro, Secretary General of the Arab Publishers Union to strengthen cooperation and improve the publishing sector. The delegation discussed how to turn challenges into opportunities to further develop the publishing industry, especially under the circumstances imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The delegation also visited the UAE platforms participating in the book fair, including the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center, The Kalima Project, Manassah Platform by the Emirati Publishers Association (EPA). They visited the Saudi pavilions including the Audiovisual media Authority (AMA), the Riyadh Literary Club, the ‘Howie’ initiative and ‘Makaniz Almakhtotat’ initiative.

Commenting on the book fair, H.E. Mubarak Al Nakhi, said: "Riyadh International Book Fair is a renowned cultural event that underlines the importance of books as key tools in spreading culture and knowledge and enriching the intellectual and cognitive thinking. This annual event aims to make reading as a way of life which instills intellectualism in society. Reading is the foundation of a society and has led to cultural renaissances witnessed by many countries and societies. It also supports and reaffirms the status of Saudi Arabia as an incubator and hub of Arab culture, and a global cultural center that brings together writers and intellectuals from all over the world.

"The remarkable efforts of Saudi Arabia and the curators of this book fair translate the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to support the spread of knowledge. Such initiatives strengthen the book industry, an essential engine for the advancement of people and communities culturally, intellectually and creatively.”

The Riyadh International Book Fair is held annually in Riyadh, bringing together the most important publishing houses and readers from different countries of the world. It boosts the Kingdom's cultural contribution and cooperation in the field of trade making Saudi Arabia a global gateway to the publishing sector.