Saudi-China Cultural Ties Strengthen at Riyadh International Book Fair 2024

Are you looking for updates from the Riyadh International Book Fair? It is not too late for us to give you an update from Riyadh. Yes, this year the Riyadh International Book Fair started on September 26, 2024, and will continue till October 5, 2024. The fair is going on at King Saud University.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the fair is organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission under the theme “Riyadh Reads.”  More than 2,000 publishing houses from over 30 countries are participating, spread across over 800 pavilions.

Though this year’s guest of honor is Qatar but there is a developing ties between Saudi Arabia and China. The event highlights the growing interest in Chinese literature and culture among Saudi readers.

The Ministry of Culture – Qatar, confirmed this news. According to Qatar News Agency, Qatar’s participation aims to showcase Qatari intellectual output, promote the Ministry of Culture’s electronic library, and strengthen cultural and intellectual exchange.

One of the central themes of the fair is the importance of translating international works into Arabic to promote better understanding across cultures.

Bayt El-Hekma is leading the way in translating Chinese literature into Arabic. The organization was founded in Egypt in the year of 2011. This year Bayt El-Hekma also participated in this book fair and it has translated a well-known Chinese classics like “The Art of War” and “Three Kingdoms” into Arabic. These works have opened doors for Saudi readers to explore rich history and culture of China. We all know China has a long and adventurous history that spans over 5,000 years.

According to the Arab News the editorial manager of Bayt El-Hekma, Amr Moghith highlighted the growing interest among Saudis to learn the Chinese language. He stated, “Every year, the demand for Chinese books increases.”  Moghith also emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges between China and Saudi Arabia, drawing a connection to their ancient ties through the Silk Road. He said that Chinese is now being taught in Saudi schools.

The 2024 Riyadh International Book Fair not only became a hub for global literary exchange but also highlights the growing cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and China. The increasing demand for Chinese literature among Saudi readers shows a deepening relationship between the two nations which are very far as per their geolocations. As these ties continue to strengthen, it is clear that the collaboration between Saudi Arabia and China will play a important role in shaping future across the region.