Saudi Arabia is the guest of honor at the Damascus International Book Fair 2026: Inauguration of the official pavilion
In a move reflecting the depth of fraternal ties and the leading cultural position of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, inaugurated the Saudi pavilion participating as a guest of honor at the Damascus International Book Fair for 2026. The opening ceremony took place in the Syrian capital, Damascus, in the presence of the Syrian Minister of Culture, Muhammad Yassin Saleh, the Qatari Minister of Culture, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Thani, and a group of Arab intellectuals and media figures.
Cultural and diplomatic dimensions of the event
The Kingdom's participation as "Guest of Honor" at this prestigious cultural event marks the culmination of a growing phase of cultural cooperation between Riyadh and Damascus, and reaffirms the pivotal role of culture as a soft power and a bridge for communication between peoples. The Damascus International Book Fair is one of the oldest book fairs in the Arab region, and this edition gains exceptional significance thanks to the distinguished Saudi presence, which lends considerable momentum to the events, thus strengthening joint Arab cultural activity and restoring to Damascus some of its historical cultural splendor.
What does the Saudi pavilion include?
The Saudi pavilion offers a comprehensive cultural experience that transcends the traditional concept of book fairs; it is designed to be a window through which Syrian and Arab audiences can view the evolving Saudi cultural landscape under the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The pavilion includes:
- Manuscript Treasures: A showcase of rare manuscripts that highlight Saudi Arabia’s care for Islamic and Arab heritage.
- Fashion and Heritage: A special section for traditional Saudi fashion that reflects the geographical and cultural diversity of the Kingdom's regions.
- Performing Arts: Live performances of Saudi folk and musical arts.
- The cultural program: A series of intellectual seminars and poetry evenings that bring together writers from the Kingdom with their Arab counterparts.
Strategic vision for participation
The CEO of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, Dr. Abdul Latif Al-Wasil, affirmed that this participation is not merely a fleeting presence, but rather an embodiment of the Commission's strategy, stemming from Vision 2030, which aims to enhance global cultural exchange and solidify the book's position as a vehicle for awareness and knowledge. He noted that the Kingdom's selection as guest of honor reflects Arab appreciation for the pioneering role Saudi Arabia plays in the publishing and translation industry and its support for creative individuals.
Strengthening Saudi-Syrian relations
This step comes as a continuation of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, with the Saudi pavilion serving as a space for creative dialogue and the exchange of ideas. The exhibition, which runs until February 16th, offers the Syrian public an exceptional opportunity to explore the latest Saudi literary and scientific publications and interact directly with Saudi creators, thus contributing to building a shared cultural heritage and a more open and prosperous future for the region.
