Saudi Gazette report

BUENOS AIRES —The Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission inaugurated the Riyadh Pavilion as the Guest of Honor at the 49th Buenos Aires International Book Fair, which will hold from April 22 to May 12, 2025, in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires.

The Riyadh Pavilion aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s cultural presence in Latin America and introduce Riyadh as a modern, forward-looking capital city that embodies the transformations of Saudi Vision 2030. The pavilion features diverse literary and cultural content, including works translated into Spanish to help build cultural bridges.

The CEO of the Literature Commission, Dr. Abdul Latif Al-Wasil, emphasized the importance of cultural cooperation as a civilizational tool for building bridges and enhancing international relations, highlighting the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Argentina.

Kristine Raïnon, President of the Argentine Book Foundation, spoke on the significance of the Buenos Aires International Book Fair as a cultural platform that brings together nations and civilizations, promoting values of peace and international understanding. He noted that choosing Riyadh as Guest of Honor enhances the prospects for cultural dialogue among peoples.

Throughout the fair, the Riyadh Pavilion will showcase the creative diversity and cultural identity of the Saudi capital through a comprehensive program featuring literary seminars, panel discussions, poetry evenings, and live performances. The pavilion also includes a manuscript and book exhibition, as well as a section dedicated to Saudi publications translated into Spanish, supporting the global reach of Saudi literature.

The pavilion houses several themed sections that highlight the richness and diversity of Saudi heritage, including a live crafts corner, a heritage replica exhibit showcasing traditional Riyadh architecture, cultural and theatrical segments, and a reception area designed in the Salmani architectural style.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore aspects of daily life in Riyadh through a dedicated area featuring traditional fashion displays, accompanied by Spanish-language descriptions.

The delegation includes the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, Heritage Commission, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an, the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, the King Abdulaziz Public Library, and the King Fahd National Library. The goal is to present a Saudi cultural window to the audience from Argentina and around the world.

The Buenos Aires International Book Fair is one of the largest cultural events in Latin America. Since its inception in 1975, it has established itself as a leading platform for publishing and knowledge exchange, attracting over one million visitors annually.