Just in:
In Lok Sabha Polls In Punjab, AAP Is Advantageously Placed As Against Its Three Rivals // U.S. Compliance Takes Center Stage at OKX Following Industry Jitters // Ingdan Announces 2023 Annual Results // Hullabaloo About Electoral Bonds May End Up As A Whimper Pre And Post Poll // Sharpening the Focus: Sharjah Health Department Refines Evaluation Criteria for “Healthy Schools Programme” // German Job Market Resilience Bodes Well for Economic Recovery // Party Nominees Refusing To Contest: Major Perception Threat For BJP // Universal Language for Healthcare: General Authority Embraces Global Coding System // Experience Ultimate Shopping Freedom at 4.4 Shopee Spree: Don’t Worry, Shop Shopee! // Renewables Surge Sets Record, But Global Equity Lags // US reiterates concern over Kejriwal arrest, Cong accounts // Konica Minolta is named ASEAN 2023 Market Leader in Colour Light and Mid Digital Production Printers // AI Boost for Galaxy Devices: Samsung Expands One UI 6.1 Update // Superland Announced Annual Results for 2023, 2023 Net Profit Increased approximately 39.5% to approximately HK$22.2 million as Compared to the 2022 Adjusted One // Arvind Kejriwal Gets International Heft Against The Deshi Vishwaguru // Court Sides with Coinbase on Wallet Service, But Staking Program Remains in Limbo // AIA Hong Kong Wins More Than 20 Accolades at MPF Ratings MPF Awards, BENCHMARK MPF of The Year Awards and Bloomberg Businessweek Top Fund Awards // Lisboeta Macau’s world first LINE FRIENDS PRESENTS CASA DE AMIGO and BROWN & FRIENDS CAFE & BISTRO has officially opened // Ajman Celebrates Conclusion of Ramadan Activities with Grand Ceremony // No running of govt from jail, says Delhi Lt Governor //
HomeColumnsA fair to embrace ideas, hopes

A fair to embrace ideas, hopes

alaa-alghambdi|By Alaa Alghamdi| Last week saw the opening of the Riyadh Book Fair, just a month after the Janadriyah festival. Considered no ordinary exhibition, there were hundreds of visitors pictured queuing to enter the fair, with sales figures expected to far surpass those of previous years. There are 500 local and international publishers displaying at the fair, with all topics covered – from science and technology, literature, history, languages through to politics and religion – something for everyone.

This year, the fair extended its remit. There was more space for publishers, booths to educate people about foreign countries such as Greece and Japan, discussions on social activities and initiatives – a space where the community of the capital can learn and grow.

The Minister of Culture and Information Adel Al Turaifi opened the event at Riyadh’s International Convention and Exhibition Center with a call to all to grow their reading habits.

ADVERTISEMENT

This fair represents a bringing together of community, creating a platform where people can openly debate while still taking into account mutual respect. There is no need for classification or ridiculing others, instead, the literature stands as a gateway where people can communicate about that which they are passionate about without fear, helping to establish an effective dialogue and begin to meet the whole community’s needs.

The book fair allows us to embrace ideas, contemplate new hopes for the future, exercise the mind and criticise ignorant thought. Through engaging with literature, we can explore the notion of the Other. The growing popularity of events such as the book fair show a new Saudi Arabia – one which is embracing the country’s new role on the global stage.

The increase in cultural and heritage festivals in Saudi Arabia can only be a good thing, bringing together readers, encouraging growth and lively debate about all aspects of life.

Some critics have argued that the Riyadh book fair is nothing but a glorified market – but this is a very short sighted view indeed. It is through cultural events that the community can grow and change, shaped by participation, by reading, and by the ensuing dialogue, becoming more accepting and open. The Riyadh Book Fair is one of the most popular of its kind in the Arab world. Long may this tradition reign.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT
Just in:
U.S. Compliance Takes Center Stage at OKX Following Industry Jitters // Ingdan Announces 2023 Annual Results // Infineon and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering jointly develop ship electrification technology // AIA Hong Kong Wins More Than 20 Accolades at MPF Ratings MPF Awards, BENCHMARK MPF of The Year Awards and Bloomberg Businessweek Top Fund Awards // Universal Language for Healthcare: General Authority Embraces Global Coding System // Ajman Celebrates Conclusion of Ramadan Activities with Grand Ceremony // Renewables Surge Sets Record, But Global Equity Lags // Sunshine’s Debut Features Leave Tech World Scratching Its Head // Lisboeta Macau’s world first LINE FRIENDS PRESENTS CASA DE AMIGO and BROWN & FRIENDS CAFE & BISTRO has officially opened // Emirates Post Speeds Up Deliveries for GCC with Special Day // German Job Market Resilience Bodes Well for Economic Recovery // AI Boost for Galaxy Devices: Samsung Expands One UI 6.1 Update // Konica Minolta is named ASEAN 2023 Market Leader in Colour Light and Mid Digital Production Printers // Sharpening the Focus: Sharjah Health Department Refines Evaluation Criteria for “Healthy Schools Programme” // Emirati Aid Reaches Ukraine as Food Shortages Bite // Superland Announced Annual Results for 2023, 2023 Net Profit Increased approximately 39.5% to approximately HK$22.2 million as Compared to the 2022 Adjusted One // Court Sides with Coinbase on Wallet Service, But Staking Program Remains in Limbo // Experience Ultimate Shopping Freedom at 4.4 Shopee Spree: Don’t Worry, Shop Shopee! // US reiterates concern over Kejriwal arrest, Cong accounts // Samsung Partners National Heritage Board to Bring a Slice of Singapore’s Cultural Heritage to Samsung The Frame TV //