RIYADH: There was a focus on Saudi Arabia’s female authors at the Riyadh International Book Fair 2025, highlighting their creativity and presence as part of the Kingdom’s growing literary scene.
Among the writers sharing their latest works and the stories behind them was Maha Al-Rasheed whose new book, “Stories of My City,” explores life in urban spaces where old streets meet modern life.
“The stories hide in the corners of the city,” she writes, taking readers on a nostalgic journey through time, blending emotion, memory and place.
Maha Al-Rasheed, author of the book, “Stories of My City,” promotes her book at the Riyadh International Book Fair. (Supplied)
Al-Rasheed spent around 18 months writing the book, describing it as “a tribute to the cities that shape us as much as we shape them.”
Another fantasy author Arab News met at the book fair was Najah Salama. Her fifth book, “Quoot: The Jewelry Collector,” has been published in Arabic and takes readers through a captivating fantasy world. With mermaid and demons, and each character shrouded in its own mysteries, her work is inspired by a blend of Pirates of the Caribbean and mermaid lore.
“This story is a journey into a sea fantasy where demons and mermaids intertwine with pirates, and characters from the future travel back to the past,” said Salama.
Najah Salama promoting her fifth book, “Quoot: The Jewelry Collector,” (Supplied)
Presenting her debut collection, “In the Depth of Our Minds,” a mix of poetry and short texts exploring emotional and psychological challenges in today’s frenetic world, was Munira Al-Eidan.
“This book is the result of three years of writing and reflection,” she said. Al-Eidan’s work focuses on resilience, vulnerability and self-discovery, offering readers a look into the complex emotions people experience but rarely express.
This year’s fair included dedicated platforms for male and female authors, where visitors could meet different writers.
Munira Al-Eidan prmoting her debut book “In the Depth of Our Minds.” (Supplied)
Book fairs continue to play a vital role in supporting new authors, and many writers see them as an opportunity to reach more readers, introduce their ideas and gain valuable feedback.
Among them was Amal Hamdan, who launched her first book, “Amal’s Impression,” in Arabic. She appreciated the chance to talk about her work, highlighting four years of experience as a journalist and cultural writer, with readers.
She hopes to inspire young Saudis to bring their literary or artistic talents to life and contribute to the Kingdom’s cultural scene and said publishing her first book was a dream come true.
The Riyadh International Book Fair is organized by the Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission of the Saudi Ministry of Culture.
The 10-day event, which ends on Saturday, is being held at Princess Noura Bint Abdulrahman University. This year’s guest of honor is Uzbekistan.
