Saudi Arabia to participate in Beijing book fair

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The aim is to boost the global reach of Saudi literature and create opportunities for Arabic content in the Chinese market. (SPA)
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The aim is to boost the global reach of Saudi literature and create opportunities for Arabic content in the Chinese market. (SPA)
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Updated 16 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia to participate in Beijing book fair

  • Saudi participation will include a strong institutional presence, with several government entities

RIYADH: The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission will lead Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Beijing International Book Fair from June 18 to 22.

This is part of the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025, reflecting the depth of the strategic partnership between the two states, and their shared goal to enhance cultural and intellectual exchange.

The initiative supports the commission’s efforts to represent the Kingdom in global cultural forums, promote Saudi literary achievements, and foster cooperation in literature, publishing, and translation.

It also aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform plan, which positions culture as a pillar of development and a bridge for civilizational dialogue.

Saudi participation will include a strong institutional presence, with several government entities. The program features seminars, literary gatherings, and dialogue sessions to promote cultural exchange and build lasting partnerships in the literary field.

The aim is to boost the global reach of Saudi literature and create opportunities for Arabic content in the Chinese market.

The Kingdom was the guest of honor at the 2024 Beijing International Book Fair, where the commission presented a rich cultural program.

The events included seminars, artistic performances, and interactive activities that drew strong interest and strengthened cultural and intellectual ties between the two countries.

 


Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah

Updated 58 min 1 sec ago
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Crown prince sponsors launch of world-class Arabic calligraphy center in Madinah

  • The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz

RIYADH: A new center for Arabic calligraphy under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman officially opened in Madinah on Monday.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated by Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, governor of Madinah region.

He was joined by Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, touring the new facility’s exhibition spaces and receiving briefings on cultural programming and the center’s achievements.

They also viewed collections highlighting Arabic calligraphy’s artistic and historical importance.

Speaking at the opening, Prince Badr said: “From this land of enlightenment and scholarship, we proudly launch a global platform dedicated to Arabic calligraphy as an invaluable cultural asset.”

He went on to credit the crown prince’s “generous and boundless support” for the cultural sector.

The minister said that the center demonstrated to the world the legacy of Arabic calligraphy while underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural identity and heritage.

According to Prince Badr, the facility represents an ambitious vision to elevate Arabic calligraphy as both a universal communication tool and an integral element of Arab heritage, art, architecture and design.

The center further aims to enhance the Kingdom’s cultural identity and strengthen its international presence, targeting calligraphers, emerging talents, visual artists, Islamic arts researchers, educational and cultural institutions, as well as art and heritage enthusiasts worldwide.

It will deliver specialized programs including research and archival services, calligraphy instruction, academic grants, a permanent museum, touring exhibitions, an international calligraphy association and a business incubator supporting calligraphy enterprises.

Additional offerings feature artist residency programs, expert-led workshops, and standardized curriculum development, complemented by international educational partnerships aimed at heritage conservation and expanding global appreciation for this time-honored art form.

The center’s establishment in Madinah carries particular significance, given the city’s historical role as the cradle of Arabic calligraphy and its association with transcribing the Qur’an and preserving Islamic knowledge.