RIYADH: A poignant moment at this year’s Riyadh International Book Fair was the book signing of Reema Al-Duraijan, author of “When Life Whispers.”
Living with Morquio syndrome, she has transformed her challenges into a source of inspiration.
Morquio syndrome means the body cannot break down certain sugar molecules, leading to their build-up and causing skeletal issues such as short stature and abnormal bone development, as well as heart and vision problems.
“I write to celebrate what comes after pain,” she said — a statement that reflects the fair’s purpose of highlighting human stories within the broader context of cultural reform.
The book fair, which runs until Saturday, extended its influence beyond literature through the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, which staged daily performances.
Exhibition spaces were transformed into stages for regional folktales and modern narratives.
Children’s productions such as “Sinbad and Yasmina’s Journey for the Lost Treasure” showcased how literature can be reimagined through performance.
Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has emphasized culture as both a social and economic priority.
The atmosphere at this year’s book fair is vibrant, with journalists reporting live, educators exploring titles, and children engaged in storytelling sessions, exemplifying a dynamic learning environment.
This year’s Guest of Honor, Uzbekistan, adds depth to the international dialogue. Its pavilion showcases traditional patterns alongside modern displays and features musicians and artisans demonstrating their cultural heritage.
Uzbek cultural experts spoke on subjects such as gastronomy and tourism, illustrating how creative industries can bridge heritage and contemporary opportunities.
Despite its global reach, the fair remains rooted in Arabic and Islamic traditions. Exhibitions of calligraphy and Qur’an manuscripts showcased the artistic and spiritual dimensions of Arabic script.
Competitions in calligraphy connected historical techniques with modern design, emphasizing how heritage can adapt to contemporary contexts.
A notable speaking session at this year’s fair focused on the intersection of journalism and technology.
In the panel titled “Will You Believe the News Anymore? Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Journalism,” participants discussed how automation impacts information credibility.
The conversation between computer scientist Sarah Al-Homoud and AI expert Nuha Al-Hajji highlighted both opportunities, such as faster research and broader access, and challenges, such as misinformation and reduced editorial oversight.
Speakers called for ethical frameworks to maintain accuracy and trust in an era of rapid content production.
