Saudi Arabia showcases literary, cultural heritage at London International Book Fair

LONDON: Saudi Arabia launched its pavilion at the London International Book Fair on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Led by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the Kingdom’s participation runs until Thursday at the event held at Olympia London, which will bring together key literary and publishing institutions.

Abdul Latif Al-Wasil, the commission’s CEO, said that Saudi Arabia’s presence at the fair aims to highlight its efforts in developing the literary landscape, supporting local publishers on the global stage, and strengthening ties between Saudi and international publishing sectors.

Through its three core areas — literature, publishing and translation — the commission seeks to promote Saudi cultural heritage, enhance collaboration with global literary stakeholders and showcase the Kingdom’s growing contributions to the international literary scene, the SPA added.

The Saudi pavilion will foster cultural exchange between the Kingdom and UK, as well as encourage knowledge-sharing and cooperation in literature, publishing and translation. It also provides an opportunity to market Saudi publishing services, introduce local literary agencies to a wider audience, and build strategic relationships within the global publishing industry.

The Saudi delegation at the London International Book Fair includes five key government agencies: the King Salman International Academy for the Arabic Language, the King Abdulaziz Foundation, the King Abdulaziz Public Library, the King Fahd National Library and the Publishing Association.