JEDDAH: The Jeddah International Book Fair, which opened on Thursday for a 10-day run at Jeddah Superdome, boasts about 900 leading local, regional and international publishers, and booksellers from 40 countries.
The event, which is organized by the Ministry of Culture’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, has lectures and workshops involving panels of intellectuals and writers, and cultural activities including poetry evenings and theatrical performances.
Mohammed Hasan Alwan, CEO of the commission, said that the Saudi cultural scene would be enriched by the fair as it acted as a literary station for all book enthusiasts.
The fair also includes a program of “book talks” that brings together readers and local and international authors to chat at workshops.
More than 100 authors are publicizing books at the fair, including Lujain Saeed Bahmishan, who attended the event following the publication of her book, “May.”
Her father said: “I am extremely happy to see my daughter signing autographs for her readers. She really impressed me and I am proud of her.”
There is also a great focus on a range of books for children, on topics to educate and improve their reading.
Bassam Al-Taweel, an exhibitor at a stall dedicated to children’s volumes, said: “We offer many storybooks in easy-to-read language which are very helpful in encouraging children to read.”
A section at the fair also sheds light on Japan’s animation pioneers, and visitors can learn how they were influenced by manga and Disney animation.
