Children’s Book Fair kicks off at Saudi Arabia’s Ithra with Syria as guest of honor
RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), an initiative by Saudi Aramco, inaugurated the sixth edition of the Children’s Book Fair, taking place from July 20 to 25, 2026.
Syria serves as the guest of honor for the sixth edition. Mohsen Mahbash, Charge d’Affaires of the Syrian Embassy to Saudi Arabia, opened the Syrian pavilion, which showcases more than 250 titles focusing on children’s literature.
The Syrian Embassy highlighted in a released statement that Syria’s participation as guest of honor in this edition acknowledges the distinguished status of Syrian children’s literature and its pioneering role in founding and advancing modern Arab children’s literature, while also enriching Arab cultural output for children, who represent the future generation.
The Syrian pavilion highlights successful examples of collaboration between Syrian and Saudi publishers in the production of children’s books and stories, which reflects the depth of the cultural partnership between the two nations. It also contributes to fostering intellectual and social cohesion through children’s literature, recognizing it as a vital instrument for shaping consciousness and embedding shared values.
