Book fair opens with a call to curb terror through writings

Minister of Culture and Information Adel Al-Toraifi called on authors, scholars and thinkers to combat terrorism through their writings, and to promote the principles of inclusive co-existence. Al-Toraifi expressed hopes that the books and literature could go a long way in reforming society and interdicting terrorism before it strikes innocent minds and the society at large.
Al-Toraifi was speaking at the inauguration of an international book fair in Riyadh on Wednesday night. The opening ceremony was attended by a large number of Saudi officials, diplomats, publishers, and authors. More than 915 publishing houses are featuring their books, periodicals and school IT products at the Riyadh Book Fair.
South African Ambassador Mohammed Sadiq Jaafar, whose country is the guest of honor at this year’s fair, was also present during the inaugural ceremony. The Kingdom’s largest book fair showcases books, major fiction titles, history books, literature on society, books for kids, international publishing, video games and merchandising for all age groups.
Referring to the role of books and authors, the minister said that the theme of the Riyadh Book Fair is “Books for Coexistence.”
“The theme and the efforts to organize the book fair with this theme reflect a pledge on our part to fight waves of violence and terror, which are threatening security and stability of the society and nations,” said Al-Toraifi. “This is the grand role of books and writers,” he stressed.
He urged those involved to carry forward the principles of “peaceful coexistence to build a better world” through win-win cooperation. The minister also expressed pleasure over choosing South Africa as the guest country at the book fair. He said that the 10-day long Riyadh Book Fair had opened this year with the spotlight on South Africa, a country rich in culture and heritage. A total of 29 countries are participating in book fair, displaying major titles and works of art.
The book fair at Riyadh International Exhibition Center, which is due to run until March 14, will be open daily for visitors from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily during normal days. On Fridays, the visiting hours will be from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. The fair management has earmarked five separate days for male and female students including expatriate students.
All male students will be allowed to visit the fair next week on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday for two hours beginning at 10 a.m., while female students will be given entry for two hours from 10 a.m. on Monday and Wednesday. The fair, which is organized by the Ministry of Culture & Information, is expected to attract about 1.5 million visitors this year.