Ithra To Promote Cultural Exchange In East Asia At Beijing International Book Fair

This summer, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, widely recognized as Ithra, is set to make a significant mark at two of Asia's most prestigious cultural events. With scheduled appearances at the Beijing International Book Fair from June 19-23 and the Seoul International Book Fair from June 26-30, Ithra's participation underscores its commitment to promoting cross-cultural exchange and fostering a global dialogue through knowledge-sharing.

The highlight of this book tour is the launch of the Mandarin and Korean versions of "Al-Mu'allaqat for Millennials," a curated collection of 10 ancient Arabic odes from the 6th century, showcasing the zenith of early Arabic poetry. This initiative aims to acquaint new audiences with the rich social and philosophical insights of these pre-Islamic poems.

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At the heart of Ithra's presence in Beijing and Seoul is its library, poised to demonstrate its status as a leading technological and cultural hub in the Middle East. Tariq Khawaji, cultural advisor to Ithra, emphasized the institution's global stature and its mission to enhance cultural exchange and understanding. "Ithra is a cultural landmark not just in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but across the Arab World and the globe as well," he stated.

Last year, Ithra Library welcomed over 700,000 visitors and hosted an array of cultural sessions, reading club meetings, and programs. "Our library's programs are not exclusive to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," Khawaji revealed, highlighting initiatives now taking place in seven cities worldwide, with plans for further expansion.

The Beijing International Book Fair, now the world’s second-largest, draws over 2,600 exhibitors from more than 100 countries annually. Similarly, the Seoul International Book Fair has been a cornerstone of South Korea's publishing industry for about 70 years, offering a vital platform for literary and cultural discourse.

Technological Innovation at Ithra Library

Ithra Library, located within Ithra's headquarters in Dhahran, spans four stories and over 6,000 square meters, housing more than 340,000 books in both English and Arabic. The library stands out for its adoption of advanced technologies such as RFID for streamlined book borrowing and a smart book return and sorting system. It also provides free internet and computer facilities for research and study, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of visitors.

Ithra's Digital Library further extends its reach, offering a digital collection of over 50,000 free e-books and audiobooks, in addition to more than 7,000 newspapers and magazines in 60 languages, making it the first digitally integrated library in the Kingdom. This vast resource pool underscores Ithra's commitment to fostering a love for reading and facilitating access to knowledge for curious minds across the globe.

Through these initiatives, Ithra not only showcases its extensive resources but also its dedication to nurturing cultural connections and understanding through literature, setting a standard for libraries worldwide in the digital age.