Almadinah Book Fair: A Cultural Vision for a Thriving Publishing Industry
The fourth edition of Almadinah Book Fair launched yesterday in Madinah Region, reaffirming the cultural significance of this prophetic metropolis and embodying the Ministry of Culture’s vision to position books as a cornerstone of knowledge and a foundation for the creative economy.
Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission under the “Book Fairs in Saudi Arabia” initiative, the fair brings together over 300 local and international publishing houses and agencies, along with broad participation from cultural and community institutions and government entities offering unique initiatives.
The fair presents an integrated program of activities, including workshops, seminars, intellectual and dialogue sessions, and literary and poetry evenings, all tailored to accommodate diverse audiences and interests, transforming a mere visit into a true celebration of knowledge and content.
General Manager of Publishing at the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission Bassam Albassam said that the fair represents one of the most significant channels for developing the publishing ecosystem in the Kingdom. He affirmed that the commission views it as a strategic platform for fostering cultural partnerships and empowering Saudi authors to reach wider local and international audiences through programs that support both print and digital publishing and initiatives that promote sustainable distribution.
He noted that the commission adopts a publishing policy grounded in diversity and openness, supported by a flexible regulatory framework that enhances the quality of cultural products, encourages translation, and supports independent creative initiatives, contributing to the establishment of a strong presence for Saudi books within the creative economy.
Almadinah Book Fair extends beyond printed books, offering a dynamic cultural environment that considers social and educational dimensions. A large children’s zone includes six educational and entertainment corners, a daily stage for storytelling and theatrical performances, and workshops for youth in creative writing, cooking, and handicrafts as part of the Saudi Year of Handicrafts initiative. The fair also features interactive youth activities, book signing events, cultural dialogues, literary critique sessions, and accompanying art exhibitions, creating an integrated environment where books intersect with art, education, and society.
The fair stands out due to its location in a city with rich historical ties to writing and knowledge. Madinah was among the first Islamic metropolises to establish schools, preserve manuscripts, and compile Quranic texts, nurturing scholars and authors who significantly enriched Islamic and Arab libraries over the years. Today, the city not only reinforces its status as a revered religious site but also thrives as a lively hub of knowledge, brimming with significance and diversity.
In line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission is working to establish a robust and sustainable national publishing industry based on empowerment, rights exchange, content marketing, and the promotion of Saudi publications in global markets. Accordingly, Almadinah Book Fair is more than just a cultural event—it is a key milestone in a long-term project to build a cultural sector that believes in the power of the written word and invests in the future of knowledge.
