Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission Concludes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Participation as Guest of Honor at the 2026 Damascus International Book Fair
The Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission has concluded the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s participation as Guest of Honor at the 2026 Damascus International Book Fair, held from February 6 to 16. The Kingdom’s participation attracted strong attendance and engagement from visitors and cultural audiences. The Saudi pavilion was acclaimed for its curated program, which highlighted the vitality and ongoing development of the Kingdom’s literary and cultural landscape.
Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Alwasel, CEO of the Commission, stated that the Kingdom’s participation as Guest of Honor, represented by a high-level delegation led by His Highness Prince Badr bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture, mirrors the strength of Saudi-Syrian cultural ties, anchored in partnership and shared respect. He noted that this participation supports the National Cultural Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes advancing cultural cooperation. The Commission endorses sustained intercultural dialogue by facilitating knowledge exchange and consolidating the Kingdom’s presence on Arab and international cultural platforms.
Alwasel gave weight to the Fair’s role as a platform that enables professional exchange with publishers and cultural leaders, as it creates opportunities for collaboration across the literature and knowledge sectors. Alwasel reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting the literature, publishing, and translation industries along with expanding their participation in leading cultural forums worldwide.
Organized by the Commission, the Saudi pavilion attracted significant public interest and active participation throughout its cultural program. It showcased the Commission’s initiatives in literature, publishing, and translation, and included literary panels, cultural dialogues, and poetry evenings featuring leading Saudi writers and intellectuals. These contributions complemented the Fair’s cultural discourse and strengthened the presence of Saudi literature in the wider Arab cultural sphere.
The pavilion highlighted the diversity of Saudi literary and artistic expression by featuring a manuscript exhibition, displays of traditional attire, a hospitality area, archaeological replicas, and live performances that reflected the depth of the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.
The Theater and Performing Arts Commission offered visitors immersive experiences reflecting the spirit of Saudi culture through traditional performances including Al-Sameri , Al-Khubaity, Al-Khatwa, Al-Liwa, and Al-Rafihi, as well as a symposium titled “Symbol and Heritage in Traditional Saudi Arts.” The pavilion presented an integrated cultural experience grounded in a shared Arab identity. It reaffirmed culture’s role in supporting connection and shared understanding.
This edition of the Damascus International Book Fair marks a significant cultural milestone. Literature is seen as a bearer of meaning and dialogue. The movement toward a cultural trajectory attuned to the Arab world’s aspirations for greater openness and heightened awareness is now underway.
