JEDDAH — Jeddah Book Fair concluded on Saturday with the participation of more than 900 local and international publishing houses. The book fair has witnessed, since kicking off on Dec. 8 at Jeddah Superdome, about 400 knowledge pavilion, as well as presenting more than 100 literary cultural events. The exhibition was distinguished by holding two specialized conferences, considered the first of their kind in Saudi Arabia — the Science Fiction conference, and the Digital Publishing conference. Dr. Mohammed Hasan Alwan, CEO of the Ministry of Culture's Commission for Literature, Publishing, and Translation, has confirmed that the culture sector enjoys unlimited support from Saudi Arabia' leadership, which seeks to make culture as the Kingdom' soft power, and a civilized achievement that keeps pace with the qualitative shifts that the country is going through in various aspects. "Jeddah Book Fair 2022 is a knowledge window through which the world looks at the Saudis and their culture," Dr. Alwan said. Dr. Alwan also praised the directives and follow up of the Culture Minister and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Commission Prince Bader Bin Farhan in supporting the exhibition, by offering the necessary capabilities to produce an image that befits Saudi Arabia's position at the regional and global levels. The directives and interest of Prince Bader in the Fair would also enhance and strengthen the Saudi culture presence as one of the tributaries of the Kingdom's soft power. Dr. Alwan added that Jeddah city is strongly contributing in the Arab and international cultural scene, as it derives its strength from a rich history and cultural heritage, in addition from a fertile environment for creativity and creators. It is worth mentioning that the Jeddah Book Fair is the first edition of the fair organized by the Ministry of Culture. Jeddah Book Fair 2022, which lasted for 10 days, received a great turnout from visitors and readers from inside and outside Saudi Arabia. The visitors witnessed a comprehensive and integrated knowledge journey, through rich cultural programs, in addition to several seminars, talks, workshops, concerts, children's activities, and much more.
