The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its cultural and Islamic presence at major international events. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the General Secretariat for Exhibitions and Conferences, is actively participating in the 57th Cairo International Book Fair. This participation is part of the Saudi Arabian pavilion, which opened on Wednesday at the Egypt International Exhibition Center, amidst a wide participation of 1,457 publishing houses from 83 countries, all under the slogan "He who stops reading for an hour falls centuries behind.".
A gift from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the exhibition's visitors
In a generous gesture reflecting the Saudi leadership's commitment to serving the Holy Quran, the Ministry announced the distribution of a gift from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques: 50,000 copies of the Holy Quran. These copies vary in size, edition, and popular recitations to meet the needs of readers and visitors from across the Muslim world. The copies are produced according to the highest standards of quality and accuracy at the King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran in Madinah, the world's largest printing facility dedicated to serving the Holy Quran. The pavilion showcases the various stages of printing and the extensive efforts undertaken in reviewing and proofreading the Quran.
Cultural dimensions and historical depth
The Cairo International Book Fair holds special significance as one of the oldest and most prestigious book fairs in the Middle East and the Arab world, serving as a bridge for cultural and civilizational exchange. The participation of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs underscores the deep fraternal and strategic ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Republic of Egypt, and highlights the Kingdom's leading role in disseminating moderate Islamic culture and combating extremism and fanaticism through books and publishing.
Digital transformation and the use of technology in the service of Islam
The ministry's participation was not limited to printed materials; the pavilion also showcased a significant leap forward in digital transformation, keeping pace with global technological advancements. The pavilion presented:
- The Islamic Electronic Library: which provides access to thousands of reliable books and scientific references.
- The "Rushd" application: which provides comprehensive electronic services to beneficiaries.
- The "Correct Citation" application: to serve researchers and students.
- Virtual Hajj application: which provides an interactive explanation of Hajj and Umrah rituals in several international languages.
Virtual Reality (VR) Experience
One of the most attractive features of the pavilion is the virtual reality (VR) experience, which transports visitors on a spiritual journey to the Two Holy Mosques. This technology allows visitors to virtually tour the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, giving them an opportunity to learn about the architecture of the Two Holy Mosques and the services offered within them in a stunning, interactive way.
These tireless efforts are an extension of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ mission to spread the tolerant values of Islam and enhance the Kingdom’s bright image abroad, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which pays great attention to serving the guests of God, caring for Islamic holy sites, and spreading knowledge.
