The Saudi ambassador visits the Kingdom's pavilion at the Damascus Book Fair 2026
In a move reflecting the depth of fraternal ties and knowledge exchange between the two brotherly countries, the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Syrian Arab Republic, Dr. Faisal Al-Mujfel, paid an important inspection visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s pavilion participating as a “guest of honor” at the Damascus International Book Fair for 2026. This visit was attended by a select group of Arab diplomats, which gave a unifying Arab character to this prominent cultural event.
High-level diplomatic tour
Ambassador Al-Majfel's visit was not merely a routine tour, but a distinguished diplomatic and cultural event. He was accompanied by several Arab ambassadors, including the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Waheed Mubarak Sayyar; the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman, Mr. Turki bin Mahmoud Al-Busaidi; the Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Dr. Sufian Al-Qudah; the Ambassador of Lebanon, Mr. Henri Quston; and the Chargé d'Affaires of the UAE Embassy, Abdul Hakim Al-Nuaimi. They were received by the Syrian Minister of Culture, Muhammad Yassin Saleh, who highly praised the selection of the Kingdom as the guest of honor for this edition, emphasizing that this distinguished Saudi presence lends significant momentum to the exhibition and restores its regional prominence.
Significance of participation and its strategic dimensions
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's participation in the 2026 Damascus International Book Fair holds exceptional significance, transcending the traditional cultural dimension. It comes within the context of strengthening joint Arab action and activating soft power as a bridge for communication between peoples. This participation is a practical embodiment of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great importance on the culture and arts sector and seeks to build bridges of intercultural dialogue with the Arab world and the international community. The Kingdom's presence as guest of honor reflects its cultural weight and its keenness to be actively involved in prestigious Arab cultural events such as the Damascus Book Fair.
Treasures of Saudi Heritage and Creativity
During his tour, the ambassador and his delegation were treated to the stunning diversity of the Saudi pavilion, which reflects Saudi national identity. The pavilion, overseen by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, offers visitors a comprehensive experience that includes:
- The Manuscripts and Rare Items Corner: which displays rare copies that highlight Saudi Arabia’s care for Islamic and Arab heritage.
- Traditional Fashion: A showcase of the aesthetics and diversity of Saudi dress according to regions.
- Archaeological replicas: which take the visitor on a journey through the rich history of the Arabian Peninsula.
- Recent releases: A wide range of translated books within the “Tarjem” initiative, children’s stories, and Saudi comics that reflect the spirit of youth and the renewal of creativity.
The role of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Authority
The Saudi Commission for Literature, Publishing and Translation is leading this remarkable presence, presenting a rich cultural program that runs throughout the exhibition from February 6 to 16. The program includes intellectual seminars, poetry evenings featuring a selection of the Kingdom's poets, and workshops aimed at exchanging experiences with Syrian and Arab intellectuals. These efforts underscore the Commission's strategy to enhance the international presence of Saudi books, support the publishing industry, and empower Saudi intellectuals to reach a wider audience, thus solidifying the Kingdom's position as a beacon of cultural influence in the region.
