Riyadh is preparing to host the Riyadh International Book Fair 2026 from Dec. 10 to 19, bringing together publishers, authors, translators and cultural professionals from Saudi Arabia and around the world.
The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission has opened registration for local and international publishing houses, with applications accepted until Oct. 1, 2026.
More than a book exhibition
The Riyadh International Book Fair is designed to serve as more than a marketplace for books. It provides a platform for publishers, writers, translators and cultural professionals to connect while supporting the wider publishing ecosystem.
The event aims to strengthen the book industry, promote translation, expand literature’s contribution to culture and knowledge, and encourage reading.
Publishers will showcase their latest titles, while visitors will have access to a cultural program featuring panel discussions, workshops and lectures involving Saudi and international writers, academics and experts.
A platform for local and international publishers
The participation of publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and abroad is expected to bring a broad range of literary, intellectual and cultural works to Riyadh.
It also creates opportunities for professional connections between Saudi publishers and international counterparts, potentially supporting cooperation in translation, publishing and literary rights.
Saudi Authors Corner
One of the fair’s dedicated spaces will be the Saudi Authors Corner, giving local writers an opportunity to display and market self-published works for which they hold publishing and distribution rights.
The initiative provides independent authors with a direct platform to reach readers and promote their work, reflecting the growing diversity of publishing models.
A dedicated space for children and young readers
Children’s and young adult literature will also receive dedicated attention through a children’s pavilion offering interactive programs and creative workshops.
The activities are designed to encourage reading while providing children with a safe and educational environment where literature can be combined with creativity and participation.
Strong results from the 2025 edition
The 2026 edition follows a strong performance by last year’s fair, which was held under the theme “Riyadh Reads” at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
The 2025 event brought together more than 2,000 Saudi and international publishing houses and agencies from over 25 countries, alongside cultural organizations from Saudi Arabia and abroad.
More than 1.38 million visitors attended the fair, representing a 37 percent increase from the previous edition, while sales rose by 20 percent.
Uzbekistan was the guest of honor in 2025, presenting its literature, cultural heritage, history and arts through a dedicated pavilion featuring manuscripts, publications and works by established cultural figures and emerging talent.
Riyadh’s growing cultural role
The continued expansion of the Riyadh International Book Fair reflects the Saudi capital’s growing role as a host for major international cultural events.
The fair combines the commercial side of publishing with cultural programming and professional networking, allowing visitors to discover new books while engaging directly with writers, academics, translators and publishers.
Its international dimension also creates opportunities to exchange perspectives on the future of publishing amid digital transformation, changing reading habits and evolving approaches to translation and book distribution.
Registration open until October 1
The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission has invited publishing houses and interested organizations to submit their applications by Oct. 1, ahead of the December event.
As preparations continue, the 2026 edition is expected to bring together an even broader range of literary and cultural voices, giving readers opportunities to discover new books, ideas and perspectives.
The fair’s continued growth also highlights the enduring role of books as a tool for knowledge, cultural dialogue and intellectual exchange, while reinforcing Riyadh’s emergence as an international destination for literary and cultural events.
