Calling all bookworms, the Riyadh International Book Fair is back. Get ready to dive nose first into the plentiful array of books that will have you wondering which book to pick next. The fair will begin on Thursday September 29 and go on until Saturday October 8 at Riyadh Front.
Whether you’re big on melodramatic fiction or would rather vigorously flip through the pages of an action-packed thriller, the Riyadh International Book Fair has something for everyone. Grab your fellow literature buffs and get lost in the world of paperback.
What is the Riyadh International Book Fair?
The Riyadh International Book Fair is one of the largest book festivals in the region held annually in the capital. Serving as a platform for companies, institutions, and individuals interested in literature and the processes of publishing and translation, the Riyadh International Book Fair acts like a hub for all those interested in presenting their books and services to the public. A main aim of the festival is to promote and develop a shared passion for reading in Saudi Arabia, so bibliophiles, it’s your time to shine.
The annual event is hosted by the Ministry of Culture and organised by the Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission, both working towards establishing Saudi Arabia as the core of publishing, literary, and arts and culture.
When is the book fair being held in 2022?
Mark you calendars for some book-fun as the Riyadh International Book Fair will start on Thursday September 29 and continue until Saturday October 8 at Riyadh Front. Check it out from 11am to midnight.
What can you expect at the Riyadh International Book Fair?
The fair hosts a huge variety of cultural programs like meet-and-greets with writers, poets and intellectuals from all over the region. Get ready to expect book signings, panel discussions, public lectures, and poetry evenings. Bring the kids along for the anticipated children’s pavilion with other interesting experience like art, theatre and musical performance. While no official plans have been announced for the 2022 edition, stay tuned to Time Out for the latest updates on the Riyadh International Book Fair.
Sotheby’s (British fine arts company) will be showcasing a museum-quality world globe dating to 1840 and a rare album of photographs taken of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on their visit to Saudi Arabia in 1979.
After more? There will also be on display a painting of a falcon by Nicholas Manning painted in 2018, prints depicting 19th-century Egypt by David Roberts and the first edition work of the nineteenth-century devoted to Islamic art.
What else can I see?
Riyadh loves a world record, and you can see one at the Riyadh International Book Fair 2022. The event officially set the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest pop-up book. Go on and have read.
What will the workshops include?
We’re expecting to see workshops related to art, reading, writing, publishing, bookmaking, and translation.
What happens at the children’s pavilion?
The children’s pavilion showcases children’s culture and the relevant activities to promote their growth and develop their skills within an entertaining and educational framework.
What is the publisher’s conference?
The publisher’s conference is held to encourage collaboration between local, regional and international representatives and investors of the publishing sector. The last Riyadh International Book Fair saw 900 publishing houses from a total of 30 participating countries. You can expect workshops and dialogue sessions presented by major Arab publishing houses and leaders in the book industry.
Are there going to be musical performances?
The guest of honour at this year’s Riyadh International Book Fair is Tunisia. In honour of that, there will be a Tunisian night held at Princess Noura University’s Red Stage. Performing artists will include popular Tunisian singers Saber Alrobaai, Latifa and Amnah Ramadan.
From SAR200. Sat Oct 1. 9pm. Princess Noura University, Red Stage, tickets.jarir.com.
How can you get tickets?
You can register for tickets here.
Thu Sep 29-Sat Oct 8.11am-midnight. Riyadh Front, bookfairs.moc.gov.sa.
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