JEDDAH — The remote location, inadequate publicity, absence of street signs and inappropriate timing are some of the factors that have negatively affected the ongoing Jeddah International Book Fair, according to participants. Some of the publishers taking part in the fair have said their sales have yet to pick up even though the fair is half way through. About 440 publishing houses from 25 countries are participating in the 10-day fair, which was officially opened to the public on Dec. 12 at the Events Palace in South Obhur. Among many other objectives, the fair is aimed at encouraging people acquire knowledge by reading. It is also aimed at increasing the awareness about the importance of buying books. Several companies, such as Careem Transport Company, have booths in the book fair and are providing visitors with special offers. Khalid, a representative of an Egyptian publishing house, criticized the timing and remote location of the fair. "The book fair is far from residential districts and this is causing inconvenience to us. As the school final exams will be held soon, families are busy at home preparing their children. Therefore the timing of the fair is not at all suitable," said Khalid, who did not want his full name published. He said the cost of participation in the fair was about $5,000 and to make a profit, a publishing house should earn not less than $50,000 in sales. Khalid said the book fair was not given any publicity and there were not many street signs or billboards, which were among the reasons for the fair to attract visitors. He believed the Riyadh International Book Fair was much better in terms of sales. However, Ali Abdulmoneim from Dar Samaa, another Egyptian publishing house, said the fair was a positive move, especially after a long absence from Jeddah. He said the exact location of the fair was not clear to a large number of people. Although newspapers published many articles about the book fair, he believed people in the Kingdom were more used to street advertisements. Abdulmoneim said since the book fair was still in its fifth day, he cannot predict the final sales results yet. Overall, he believed that many people were visiting the fair and buying books. Mahdi Hadi, manager of Dar Sebee, which is specialized in children's books, said this was the first time he was participating in any of the Kingdom's book fairs. He said the rate of sales was high and many people visited the place. "It is a positive education activity," he added.
