More than one million book lovers and people of all age groups visited the 10-day Riyadh International Book Fair 2024, at the King Saud University campus, which saw sales exceeding SR28 million ($7.46 million), a report said, citing the organiser.

More than 2,000 Saudi, Arab and international publishing houses and agencies from more than 30 countries showcased their titles at the fair, which was held between September 26-October 5, Saudi Gazette said.

It featured more than 200 events that was spread across 800 pavilions. A large number of writers, thinkers, intellectuals and book enthusiasts from inside and outside Saudi Arabia attended the festival of books under the title ‘Riyadh Reads’.

Dr Muhammad Alwan, CEO of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, which organised the event, said: “The exhibition contributed to revitalising the printing market and the Arab publishing movement, and enhanced the capabilities and competitiveness of Saudi publishers. It turned out to a platform for the creativity of the most important thinkers and writers.”

This year, Qatar was the guest of honour at the fair, with the participation of the country’s important pioneers of culture, literature and art and entities at a special pavilion that includes a collection of rare manuscripts and a number of publications of the Qatari Ministry of Culture.