Riyadh Int’l Book Fair Draws Crowds with Blend of Tradition and Technology
The Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 continues to attract a growing number of visitors, solidifying its place as one of the premier cultural events in the Kingdom. With over 2,000 publishing houses from 30 countries, the fair showcases a diverse array of literary works, offering something for every segment of society.
Diverse Offerings for All Ages
Running from September 26 to October 5 at King Saud University, the fair, themed “Riyadh Reads,” is organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission. It caters to various age groups, ensuring a distinctive cultural experience for everyone. Visitors can explore dedicated areas for children with educational and recreational activities, a space for Saudi authors’ works, and meet their favorite authors at book signings.
The event promotes cultural exchange, bringing together local and international writers, publishers, and translators. This year’s fair also emphasizes the importance of reading as a tool for personal development and societal progress.
Immersive Reading Zones
This year, the fair includes five designated reading areas that are strategically located throughout the entire exhibition. These zones offer a quiet, serene space for visitors to engage with books and explore literature peacefully. They provide more than just silence; they encourage reflection and discussion, blending traditional and modern elements harmoniously. Each area is specifically tailored to different ages and interests, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors. These reading zones promote intellectual dialogue while also enhancing the fair’s diverse cultural offerings for everyone attending. Their purpose is to support reading and foster education within an educated and cultured society.
Cutting-Edge Technology Enhances the Experience
In a move that highlights the fair’s commitment to technological advancements, a “Saudi Robot” has become a star attraction. This robot, powered by 102 AI programs, greets visitors in 96 languages, including local dialects, and helps them navigate the fair’s many venues.
The robot, designed by programmer Eng. Mahmoud bin Ajlan, answers questions about publishing houses and books, provides audio summaries, and gathers feedback from visitors. It even displays publications on its screen, allowing guests to interact with the latest releases in a more dynamic way.
The inclusion of this advanced technology underscores the fair’s efforts to stay at the forefront of the publishing industry, merging traditional literary activities with innovative tools to enhance visitor engagement.
A Hub for Intellectual Exchange
The fair’s cultural program includes more than 200 activities, such as seminars, lectures, poetry evenings, and workshops. Prominent writers and intellectuals from Saudi Arabia and worldwide will lead these engaging events and discussions. These activities aim to promote dialogue and exchange of ideas among participants from different cultural backgrounds. The Riyadh International Book Fair is further established as a global platform for intellectual and cultural growth.
As the fair continues to evolve, it remains a vibrant hub for knowledge sharing and cultural enrichment, reinforcing its status as a key event in the region’s cultural calendar.
