Riyadh International Book Fair

Riyadh International Book Fair is one of the largest cultural events in the Middle East, held annually in Saudi Arabia’s capital. For over 40 years, it has been a key platform for authors, publishers, and readers worldwide, attracting 5,00,000 visitors over 10 days. The fair promotes reading, cultural awareness, and artistic exchange, making it one of the top Arab book fairs in visitor count and sales. Visitors can browse thousands of books, meet authors, attend discussions, and enjoy poetry readings, exhibitions, and interactive activities. Each year, a Guest of Honor country is featured, highlighting its literary and cultural contributions.

How to get there

• By Air: Fly into King Khalid International Airport, the nearest airport. From there, take a taxi or ride-hailing service for a 25-30 minute drive to the book fair venue.
• By Taxi: From Riyadh city center, a taxi or ride-hailing service (Uber, Careem) can take you to the book fair in 15-25 minutes.

Timings and Tickets

Opening Hours:

• Monday-Thursday, Saturday-Sunday: 11:00AM-11:00PM
• Friday: 2:00PM-11:00PM

Entry Fee: Entry is free, but visitors need to register online, with fees ranging from 100 SAR to 500 SAR. Children aged four and under do not need a ticket.

Things to do

• Explore a Vast Collection of Books: Browse thousands of books across various genres from local and international publishers.
• Meet Authors: Get your favorite books signed and interact with renowned authors.
• Discover Rare & Exclusive Editions: Find unique and limited-edition books that are not easily available elsewhere.
• Experience Interactive Exhibits: Explore multimedia installations, digital reading innovations, and themed exhibitions.
• Poetry Performances: Enjoy live poetry readings, storytelling sessions, and cultural presentations.

Travel Tips

• Arrive early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid large crowds.
• Check the event schedule in advance for author signings, panel discussions, and workshops.
• Since parking is limited, consider using Uber or Careem for a hassle-free trip.
• Take advantage of special discounts, student offers, and book bundles to save money.
• Follow the fair’s guidelines, including photography restrictions and designated quiet areas for reading.

Interesting facts

• One of the largest literary events in the region, Riyadh International Book Fair draws thousands of visitors and industry professionals globally.
• A guest of honor country is featured annually, highlighting its literary and cultural contributions.
• Brings together over 1,000 publishers, offering a vast collection of books across different genres and languages.
• Offers multilingual literature, with books available in Arabic, English, French, and other languages to cater to a diverse audience.
• Organized annually by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, the fair promotes reading, intellectual exchange, and cultural enrichment.

FAQs

What is the Riyadh International Book Fair?

The Riyadh International Book Fair is an annual event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, featuring books, literary services, and cultural activities.

When is the Riyadh International Book Fair held?

It takes place annually, usually in September or October. Exact dates are announced by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture.

Where is the book fair held?

The event is hosted at a major exhibition center in Riyadh, such as the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Center.

Does the fair have a Guest of Honor?

Yes, each year, a Guest of Honor country is featured, showcasing its literary and cultural contributions.

What is the purpose of the RIBF?

The fair promotes reading, culture, and literature while providing a platform for publishers, institutions, and authors to present their work.