Despite the coronavirus pandemic’s immense implication for the world of publishing in the region and across the globe, Gulf international book fairs are getting back on their feet. These cultural events that are crucial for publishing, by shedding light on local and international authors, as well as enhancing business cooperation between publishers and authors, are opening their doors to visitors once again.
After organizing book fairs had been impossible for months, the UAE recently held the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, an exceptional cultural event, amid precautionary measures meant to ensure visitors’ safety. Germany was the guest of honor for 2021 and 2022 at the event in which 800 exhibitioners from 46 countries took part and workshops and lectures were held virtually.
To compel them to take part in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair amid the pandemic, the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism lifted the exhibition fees for all participating publishing houses.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is planning to hold its book fair soon as well, with the Riyadh International Book Fair scheduled for next October. As one of the Arab world’s most prominent cultural events and the Arab world’s best-selling fair, drawing over half a million visitors annually, it is being met with great anticipation. Over 500 Arab and international publishing houses will take part, and more than 80 cultural events will be held.
Based on the regulations that the Kingdom has instilled and the measures it has taken to contain the spread of the coronavirus, as well as the experience it has garnered throughout the pandemic, the Riyadh International Book Fair is expected to run smoothly. Through the Tawakkalna app, organizers and security forces can identify the number of attendees on-site, which allows them to ensure that it does not become too crowded for social distancing measures to be respected. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has also prohibited those who had not taken at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from going to public places and facilities. It has also made it obligatory for tourists to test for COVID-19, activate the Tawakkalna application, maintain social distancing, and wear masks.
Given these measures and the constant monitoring of the situation so that measures can be adjusted accordingly, as officials are saying, the resumption of international book fairs in the Gulf will be safe, which will contribute to life going back to normal, and will facilitate the resumption of all kind of conferences and exhibitions, local and international.
