Riyadh International Book Fair 2025: A Cultural Hub For Book Lovers And Explorers

The Riyadh International Book Fair 2025, organised by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, has become a major event for book enthusiasts and cultural adventurers worldwide. The fair's pavilions are bustling with visitors carrying bags filled with books and souvenirs, showcasing its importance as a leading cultural event in the region.

Among the attendees is Ahmed Abdel Samad from Morocco, who travelled from Casablanca specifically for this event. He shared his experience: "I came planning to buy just 10 books, but ended up with over 40." After facing baggage issues at the airport last year, he utilised the fair's international shipping service. "These books will be my companions in Casablanca's cafés and on train rides. They're my true souvenirs from Riyadh," he said with a smile.

Sohee Kim, a Korean student, expressed her enthusiasm about attending the fair: "I came to Riyadh to learn Arabic from original texts. The prices here are better, and there are books I can’t find in Korea." She was thrilled to have acquired more than 15 books on classical Arabic literature and dictionaries.

Saudi visitor Ali Madkhali journeyed over 1,000 kilometres from Jizan for the fair. He mentioned setting aside around SAR3,000 annually for his reading habit. Laughing, he noted, "My children joke about the large number of books I bring home, but they always end up reading them all."

Salem Al-Mansouri from the UAE attended with his family. He emphasised that the Riyadh Book Fair is more than just a book marketplace; it’s a comprehensive cultural space combining literature, intellectual discussions, and art. He pointed out that its diverse activities make it unique among regional book fairs.

As visitors explore the fair’s aisles and pavilions, their suitcases transform into mobile libraries. The books they gather become enduring reminders of their cultural journey from Riyadh to other parts of the world.

With inputs from SPA