The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is serving as a dynamic hub for creativity and cultural dialogue at the ongoing Riyadh International Book Fair. As an initiative of Saudi Aramco, the Ithra pavilion is highlighting its commitment to knowledge and the arts through a diverse showcase of publications and interactive programs until the fair concludes on Oct. 11.
A Mission of Cultural Engagement
Now in its 12th participation, Ithra has built its pavilion around the theme of reading, aligning with the fair’s “Riyadh Reads” initiative. Abdullah Al-Hawas, head of Ithra Library, emphasized that the center’s goal is to foster cultural dialogue by presenting unique content. “Every year, Ithra participates in the Riyadh International Book Fair with a new concept,” Al-Hawas said. This year, the center is showcasing 13 of its recent publications, carefully selected to appeal to both specialists and the general public.
Spotlight on Saudi Publications
The pavilion features a dedicated bookstore highlighting Ithra’s latest titles across culture, art, philosophy, and heritage. Among the standout offerings is “The Mu’allaqat for the Millennial Generation,” which makes classical Arabic poetry accessible for modern readers. Another popular title, “Arabic Proverbs for the New Generation,” presents over 150 proverbs with commentary to help readers reconnect with their linguistic roots.
The collection also includes significant works like “Hijrah: In the Footsteps of the Prophet,” a detailed exploration of Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Makkah to Madinah. To broaden its global impact, Ithra has translated many of its publications into languages including Spanish, German, Korean, and Chinese. “We aim to translate as many as possible to expand the global reach of Arab culture,” Al-Hawas added.
An Interactive Pavilion Experience
The Ithra pavilion is designed as a comprehensive cultural experience, divided into four distinct sections:
- An introductory area that outlines Ithra’s key facilities, like its library, museum, and theater.
- Two library program zones are hosting a variety of workshops and discussion panels.
- A bookstore offering Ithra’s specialized publications.
This setup reflects the spirit of the Ithra Library itself, one of the Kingdom’s largest and first fully digital libraries. The physical library, a four-floor cultural hub, houses over 357,000 books and thousands of digital resources, and runs popular programs like the Ithra Reading Club and poetry-focused Majaz initiative.
By bringing a slice of this vibrant ecosystem to the book fair, Ithra continues its mission to inspire, challenge, and engage the public through the power of knowledge and cultural exchange.
