Jeddah Book Fair opened with the participation of more than 1,000 local and Arab publishing houses distributed across some 400 pavilions

More than 1,000 Arab and local publishing firms will be present at the Jeddah Book Fair, which will be housed in over 400 pavilions, according to a statement released by the Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission. Under the theme "Ports of Culture," the Jeddah Book Fair will welcome guests every day until Saturday, December 16 to see an event consisting of literary, cultural, and educational events at the Jeddah Superdome.

Regarding hours, the fair is open to guests every day from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.; however, on Friday, events begin at 2 p.m. and last until 12 a.m.

Under the direction of Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Farhan, the Kingdom's leadership provides the cultural sector in Saudi Arabia with unrestricted assistance, according to Dr. Mohammed Alwan, the commission's CEO. The Jeddah Book Fair is part of the commission's strategic book fair project, which aims to distribute books to all societal sectors and increase awareness and knowledge by bringing them to other parts of the Kingdom, according to Alwan.

The Jeddah Book Fair offers a daily literary and cultural trip as part of its cultural programme, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind experience through hundreds of events and activities. In addition, it features talks, panel discussions, poetry readings hosted by a group of poets, and educational courses about publishing and comic books, including manga and comic books.

Several publishing firms that specialise in Japanese comics (manga) will be present at the manga and anime section of the fair, selling books and memorabilia alongside a host of interactive activities. The reason for holding the unique event is its immense attraction to guests of all ages.

Through the Saudi Author Corner, which offers the chance to view more than 100 titles by self-published Saudi writers to showcase their works, the commission continues to encourage independent Saudi writers in this edition.  This is all part of the plan to help Saudi authors market their books.This is all part of the plan to help Saudi authors market their works.

The Jeddah Book Fair will be enjoyable for kids as well since a special pavilion has been set aside for them that includes learning and play activities, theatre productions, puppet workshops, fashion, culinary arts, music, and a session on creating storyboards, among other things.

Additionally, events will be organised in relation to the Ministry of Culture's "Year of Arab Poetry 2023" programme, which was introduced at the start of 2023 and is scheduled to conclude by the end of December.

Throughout the year, the Year of Arab Poetry 2023 project has strived to bring back one of the most significant aspects of Arab culture and integrate it into Saudi Arabian and Arab peoples' daily lives through a variety of events and programmes.

Following the June Madinah Book Fair and the September Riyadh Book Fair, the Jeddah Book Fair is the third book fair hosted by the Saudi Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission in 2023.

To establish Saudi Arabia as a significant player in the book business, the commission plans to host book fairs to provide books to as many people as possible and open up new avenues for publication and distribution.