In a significant cultural step reflecting the depth of renewed relations, His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, inaugurated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's pavilion as the guest of honor at the Damascus International Book Fair for 2026. The inauguration took place in the Syrian capital, Damascus, in the presence of high-level officials, including the Minister of Culture of the Syrian Arab Republic, Muhammad Yassin Saleh, and the Qatari Minister of Culture, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, which gives the event an important Arab and regional dimension.
Historical background and significance of the event
The Damascus International Book Fair, first launched in 1985, is one of the oldest book fairs in the Arab world and a historical cultural beacon in the Levant region. After a period of challenges, the fair is reaffirming its role as a meeting place for intellectuals, publishers, and readers. The Kingdom's participation as guest of honor at this time represents the culmination of the restoration of diplomatic and cultural relations between the two countries, and underscores the historical and fraternal ties that bind them.
The selection of a country as the “guest of honor” at an international book fair is a cultural and diplomatic tradition that grants the honored nation an exceptional platform to showcase its intellectual, literary, and artistic output, and to present a comprehensive picture of its contemporary cultural identity and rich heritage. The Kingdom is seizing this opportunity to introduce the Syrian and Arab public to the significant transformations taking place in the Saudi cultural sector.
Reflecting the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This participation, spearheaded by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, is an extension of the role culture plays within the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The Vision views culture as a bridge for civilizational communication and a tool for enhancing the Kingdom's soft power on both the regional and international stages. In this context, the Commission's CEO, Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, affirmed that the Kingdom's participation as guest of honor reflects its leading role in the Arab cultural landscape and embodies its belief in the role of culture in building bridges of communication and dialogue and supporting joint cultural initiatives.
A rich and comprehensive cultural program
The Kingdom's pavilion, which runs until February 16, showcases a broad panorama of Saudi Arabia's cultural and creative diversity. The pavilion offers visitors a comprehensive program that includes intellectual seminars and poetry evenings featuring a selection of Saudi writers and intellectuals, as well as an exhibition of rare manuscripts highlighting the Kingdom's scientific and historical heritage. The pavilion also features specialized sections showcasing various aspects of Saudi culture, such as a traditional costume corner, a hospitality corner reflecting the generosity of authentic Arab hospitality, and a corner displaying archaeological replicas. In addition, there are live performances of Saudi performing arts that express the depth of the country's cultural heritage.
This unique participation provides visitors to the exhibition with a unique opportunity to learn about the dimensions of Saudi literary, heritage and human culture, and confirms that culture remains one of the strongest paths to bringing peoples closer and establishing common values.
