JEDDAH: Diplomats and other guests gathered on Wednesday for a celebration of the 78th National Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the country’s enduring relationship with Saudi Arabia.
The event, in the Crystal ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Jeddah, was hosted by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Khan Hasham Bin Saddique, and Consul General Shehryar Akbar Khan. The guests included diplomats from several nations, representatives from the military, and figures from the business world.
The festivities began with the national anthems of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, followed by speeches from the consul general and the ambassador highlighting social and economic development in Saudi Arabia, and the diplomatic ties between the two nations.
“Both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been strategic partners for many decades, and our friendship has bonded in various international and regional matters, in faith, shared values and culture,” Saddique told Arab News.
He added that the leadership of both countries are working to further improve their partnership to make it more robust and diverse.
Both the ambassador and consul general also expressed their admiration for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s initiative, Saudi Vision 2030.
“I think Saudi Arabia is destined to become an economic powerhouse,” said Saddique.
Khan added: “Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is a visionary person. He is bringing in all these new projects for the betterment of the Saudi people and their well-being, and of the Islamic world. Pakistan fully supports it.
“We have had the best of relationships with Saudi Arabia ever since Pakistan came into existence in 1947.
There has not been a time where Saudi Arabia has not helped us when we were in need of help, and there has not been a time where Saudi Arabia has called us and we were not there with them, at any level, may it be diplomatic, political or defense — we stand with Saudi Arabia.”
The event also celebrated Pakistan’s wider diplomatic ties.
“I want to congratulate Pakistan on this occasion,” said Italian Consul General Elisabetta Martini. “The consul general of Pakistan is such an important figure here in Jeddah, where they have one of the biggest communities. I know for Pakistan, Jeddah is their biggest diplomatic mission in the world.
“It’s a very complicated and difficult task my colleague is performing in the best way — I wish him all the best.”
US Consul General Matthias Mitman also congratulated his Pakistani colleagues.
“I’m glad I could come and participate in it,” Mitman said.
Diplomats join Pakistan National Day celebrations in Saudi Arabia
Diplomats join Pakistan National Day celebrations in Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Book Fair 2025 opens with expanded cultural program
- Bassam Al-Bassam: Since the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission began organizing Saudi book fairs in 2021, we have witnessed a significant increase in visitor numbers, as well as a noticeable rise in publishing-house sales
- Al-Bassam: The commission provides a package of supportive initiatives across literature, publishing, and translation to support the sector, improve quality, and elevate outcomes
JEDDAH: Under the slogan “Jeddah Reads,” the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission inaugurated the Jeddah Book Fair 2025 on Thursday at the Jeddah Superdome, launching one of the city’s largest annual cultural gatherings.
This year’s edition brings together more than 1,000 local and international publishing houses and agencies from 24 countries, spread across 400 booths, reinforcing the fair’s position as a major regional hub for creativity, knowledge exchange, and cultural engagement.
Bassam Al-Bassam, general manager of the Publishing General Department, praised the steady development of the fair since the commission assumed responsibility for organising Saudi book fairs in 2021.
“Since the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission began organizing Saudi book fairs in 2021, we have witnessed a significant increase in visitor numbers, as well as a noticeable rise in publishing-house sales,” he told Arab News.
Commenting on the broader publishing landscape in the Kingdom, Al-Bassam said the sector is undergoing structural improvements.
“The commission provides a package of supportive initiatives across literature, publishing, and translation to support the sector, improve quality, and elevate outcomes.”
He also highlighted the commission’s work on regulatory reforms. “We are currently developing the sector’s core regulations and policies to facilitate the publishing process in Saudi Arabia … and enhance the sector’s overall value.”
Regarding international partnerships, Al-Bassam said: “We provide proper infrastructure and host book fairs across various regions of the Kingdom ... opening doors for Saudi publishers to pursue international cooperation and partnerships, ultimately exporting Saudi culture abroad.”
He added that the commission’s participation in leading global book fairs further supports the global presence of Saudi publications.
For the first time, the fair is hosting a dedicated program for local film production, featuring daily screenings of acclaimed Saudi films supported by the “Dhaw” Film Support Program and organized in collaboration with the Film Commission.
The initiative highlights the rise of Saudi visual storytelling and strengthens the integration between cultural and artistic sectors.
With more than 170 cultural events, including panel discussions, lectures, poetry evenings, and specialized workshops, the fair continues to expand its role as a full-spectrum cultural platform.
A dedicated children’s area offers interactive activities that nurture creativity and foster a love of reading among young visitors.
Cultural institutions, universities, and community organizations are also showcasing their latest publications and initiatives during the fair.
Other features include a manga and anime zone, a discounted books section, and a Handicrafts Corner celebrating the 2025 Year of Handicrafts by introducing visitors to traditional crafts and supporting Saudi artisans.
Among participating publishing houses is Kadi and Ramadi, a Saudi specialist in children's books, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
Founder Thuraya Batarji expressed her joy at returning to the fair during such a milestone.
She said the publishing house has released special anniversary editions of key titles, noting their continued commitment to both the Jeddah and Riyadh book fairs.
As a prominent figure in children’s literature, Batarji emphasized the importance of reading from infancy. “The secret to instilling the value of reading in children is to start at a very early age, even from three to six months.”
She added that shared reading sessions between parents and children strengthen their bond with books and foster critical-thinking skills as young readers grow.
The opening day also drew young visitors who had grown up attending the Jeddah Book Fair.
Sara Al-Malki, 16, from Jeddah, described the event as an essential part of her life.
“I’ve been coming to this fair since I was a little girl,” she said. “Starting the weekend here feels special. The atmosphere, the books, the publishers I love, it all brings back memories and makes me excited for what’s new.”
She said that visiting her favourite publishing houses on opening day has become a personal tradition, adding that the fair has influenced her love of reading and her dream of becoming a writer.
“This fair feels like home,” she said. “Every year it grows, and every year I grow with it.”
