RIYADH: The Riyadh International Book Fair 2025 began on Thursday at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
More than 2,000 publishing houses from over 25 countries are taking part in the two-week-long event, which is organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission.
The fair serves as a platform for publishers, writers, and cultural institutions to connect with readers and industry professionals.
Abdullatif Al-Wasel, CEO of the commission, said the event 鈥渞eflects the Kingdom鈥檚 strategy to strengthen its cultural leadership regionally and globally, while also contributing to community awareness and economic growth in line with Vision 2030.鈥
The Saudi Institute of Public Administration has a significant presence at the event, showcasing its range of scientific, legal, and management publications.
This year, Uzbekistan is the fair鈥檚 guest of honor. Al-Wasel highlighted the country鈥檚 鈥渟ignificant cultural role and strong ties with the Kingdom,鈥 noting that the partnership underscores the event鈥檚 contribution to cultural exchange.
Uzbekistan鈥檚 pavilion showcases rare manuscripts, literary works, and a cultural program that includes performances and artistic displays. The collaboration also features joint activities with the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, including stage performances and artistic exchanges.
Beyond the international showcases, local creativity is also in the spotlight. One of the standout booths this year is Qessati (My Story), an initiative founded by Saudi entrepreneur Omar Tayeb in March 2024, which creates personalized books by inserting a child鈥檚 photograph, name, hobbies and interests into an illustrated story.
鈥淲e turn them into a cartoony character inside their very own story,鈥 Tayeb told Arab News. 鈥淭he idea started when I wrote a story for my daughter, and I saw how much it changed her behavior. That鈥檚 when I realized this could be a project for every child, not just my own.鈥
Qessati has already produced more than 1,000 books in Arabic and English and has expanded across the Gulf and North Africa.
鈥淥ur goal is to make learning and reading an enjoyable part of a child鈥檚 daily life,鈥 Tayeb said. 鈥淏y connecting the story with the child鈥檚 identity, values, and imagination, we create something that stays with them.鈥
The booth also features a children鈥檚 prayer book designed with illustrated characters to help young readers memorize daily supplications.
In addition to exhibition booths, the fair offers a wide-ranging cultural program, including seminars, lectures, poetry evenings and workshops. An expanded business zone is also part of this year鈥檚 edition, aimed at strengthening the publishing sector and facilitating partnerships across the industry.
The fair is open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight, with Friday opening hours starting at 2 p.m.
