Dates and events of the Jeddah Book Fair 2025 at Jeddah Superdome
The eyes of intellectuals and publishers in the Arab world are turning to Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea, as the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission to launch the Jeddah International Book Fair 2025. This major cultural event is scheduled to take place from December 11 to 20, under the dome of the Jeddah Superdome, with the participation of over 1,000 local and international publishing houses and agencies representing 24 countries worldwide, spread across 400 booths.
Jeddah... Gateway to Culture and History
Choosing Jeddah to host this event is not merely a routine procedure, but rather an extension of the city's rich historical heritage. As the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and a global trading port, Jeddah has long been a meeting point for civilizations and a hub for the exchange of knowledge throughout the centuries. The book fair revives this pivotal role, solidifying the city's position as a cultural beacon that blends the authenticity of Hijazi heritage with openness to contemporary global cultures, thus giving the fair a distinctive identity that sets it apart from other book fairs in the region.
Diverse activities that promote Vision 2030
The CEO of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, affirmed that the exhibition represents a pivotal milestone reflecting the rapid growth of the Saudi publishing sector. This cultural movement is perfectly aligned with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which places great emphasis on strengthening creative industries and improving quality of life. The exhibition aims to transform the Kingdom into a logistical and commercial hub for the publishing sector in the Middle East by stimulating investment and empowering local publishers to compete globally.
A comprehensive cultural program and specialized areas
The Jeddah International Book Fair 2025 stands out for offering a comprehensive knowledge experience that transcends the traditional concept of selling books. Its cultural program includes over 170 diverse events, including:
- Dialogue sessions and seminars: Hosting a select group of writers and thinkers from within and outside the Kingdom to discuss issues of contemporary thought and literature.
- Children's Zone: A carefully designed space to cultivate a passion for reading in young people through interactive activities and educational plays.
- The world of manga and anime: In response to the interests of young people, the exhibition dedicates an area to the worlds of Japanese fantasy, featuring figurines, rare collectibles, and special editions.
- The Saudi Author's Corner: An initiative to support self-publishing, enabling Saudi creators to showcase hundreds of new titles and communicate directly with the public.
Economic and cognitive impact
Beyond its cultural significance, the exhibition plays a vital role in stimulating economic and tourism activity in Jeddah, attracting thousands of visitors from across the Kingdom and the Gulf region. Furthermore, the book signing platforms and face-to-face meetings contribute to strengthening the relationship between authors and readers, thereby increasing reading rates and raising community awareness.
This year’s exhibition comes under the slogan “Jeddah Reads”, stemming from the national initiative “Saudi Arabia Reads”, to emphasize the Authority’s ongoing message of making reading a way of life, and building a vibrant society that takes pride in its culture and looks towards the future.
