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MADINAH: Literary and other creative offerings from more than 300 local, regional and international publishing houses and agencies are being showcased at the fourth annual Madinah Book Fair at King Salman International Convention Center.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the fair, which began on Tuesday and continues until Aug. 4, and features more than 200 pavilions, offers visitors a chance to explore a rich cultural and literary experience that reflects ������Ƶ’s vibrant intellectual scene. Prince Salman bin Sultan, the governor of Madinah Region, was among the early visitors.

Bassam Al-Bassam, the general manager of publishing at the commission, told Arab News that the organization is committed to the continuing development and enhancement of the event.

“At the end of last year’s book fair, we collected feedback and comments from visitors and publishing houses, and based on them we introduced improvements,” he said.

“This year … we have introduced the Saudi publishing corner, which is focused on self-publishing authors, where they can present and sell their books.

“We (are) presenting rich and diverse cultural programs that will touch the people of Madinah. We also have a lot of activities and games for the kids. This comes from our belief that we need to invest in the love of books and a love of reading for the new generations.”

Abdul Latif Al-Wasel, the commission’s CEO, said: “This year’s Madinah Book Fair embodies the ongoing and unwavering support that the cultural sector in the Kingdom enjoys, further underscoring the importance of Madinah and its standing within the Saudi cultural landscape.”

The fair offers readers and cultural enthusiasts an opportunity to explore latest book releases while engaging with authors, intellectuals and industry experts. Organizers said this year’s event features a diverse cultural program designed to appeal to all interests, with the aim of fostering dialogue and strengthening ������Ƶ’s role in the regional and global literary landscape.

Seminars, panel discussions and workshops cover a broad range of topics, from the power of language and the role of artificial intelligence in the advancement of knowledge, to the challenges of translation in efforts to bridge cultures. Other sessions explore the cultural impact of Hajj and Umrah, and historical stories about Madinah itself.

The fair shines a spotlight on other creative offerings besides books. UK publisher Harper’s Books and Creativity Products, for example, has been making waves this year among visitors looking for a creative outlet of their own. This is the third year the business has taken part in the event and its booth features a range of innovative products that combine art with relaxation.

“Everyone here is very nice, and every time we come we see great revenue,” said Motasem Abudahab, a representative of the company.

“We sell paintings that are easy to draw, or paint by numbers, allowing everyone to create their own art. It’s therapeutic and the joy on people’s faces is priceless.”

The Harper’s booth is once again proving popular this year, he added, attracting visitors looking for a way to unwind and engage in a fulfilling activity.

“There are a lot of happy people here. It’s wonderful to see them enjoy the process of creating art.”

Another booth attracting attention at the fair is that of Ana Al-Madinah, which specializes in virtual reality experiences that transport visitors 1,400 years back in time to the era of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions.

“Our participation offers a unique chance to live the experience of Madinah and Makkah as they were,” said company representative Ammar Mohammed.

The experience gives visitors a chance to embark on a seven-minute journey through Madinah and an 11-minute exploration of Makkah, during which they visit historical landmarks as they appeared at the time and get a taste of what daily life was like back then. The immersive experience offers education and engagement in a novel format that has captivated attendees.

The Ministry of Culture’s display, the theme for which is the “Year of Handicrafts,” has also been proving popular, officials said.

“This booth showcases traditional crafts from different regions of ������Ƶ,” said Ghalya Kanaani. “Each craft exemplifies the rich and diverse culture of our Kingdom, with a particular focus on the contributions of women in handicrafts.

“The vibrant displays celebrate the artistry and heritage of Saudi craftsmanship, making it a must-visit for those interested in cultural traditions.”

Marvin Pepito, a representative of UAE-based publishing house Little Puffin, which specializes in English-language books, said: “Madinah Book Fair is attracting many people eager to explore our diverse range of genres, from self-help to fantasy.

“The audience here is respectful and engaged, which makes my first experience truly memorable.”

He noted a growing interest in English-language literature among attendees, adding: “There are so many people who love books and are eager for quality content.”

In line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission says it aims to build a solid and sustainable national publishing industry based on empowerment, rights exchanges, the marketing of Saudi content and its enhanced presence in international markets.

From this perspective, the Madinah Book Fair represents not only a significant cultural event but a milestone in a long-term project to build a cultural sector that believes in the power of words and invests in the future of knowledge.