The Riyadh International Book Fair is rapidly transforming from a major cultural gathering into a powerful engine for Saudi Arabia’s economy, directly aligning with the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals. Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the event is a cornerstone of the Ministry of Culture’s strategy to elevate the cultural sector’s contribution to 3% of the national GDP. The fair not only champions literacy but also creates a significant ripple effect across multiple industries, including tourism, hospitality, and technology, underscoring its role as a strategic economic asset.
A Catalyst for Cross-Sector Growth
The economic impact of the Riyadh International Book Fair extends far beyond book sales. The 2024 edition alone generated over SAR 28 million in revenue for participating publishing houses and attracted more than one million visitors. This massive influx of attendees provides a substantial boost to adjacent sectors, driving up occupancy rates in hotels, increasing demand for food and beverage services, and stimulating activity across local transportation networks. Furthermore, the event serves as a significant source of temporary employment, creating valuable opportunities for young professionals and showcasing a model for how large-scale cultural events can fuel widespread economic activity.
Driving Tourism and Global Investment
The fair has become a key tool in marketing the Kingdom as a premier global destination for tourism and investment. International participants and visitors are offered curated tours to Saudi Arabia’s historical, natural, and cultural landmarks, providing a firsthand look at the nation’s burgeoning opportunities. This initiative directly supports the tourism sector’s record-breaking performance, which saw the Kingdom welcome over 32 million tourists during the summer of 2025. By showcasing the country’s rich heritage and modern development, the event helps attract foreign investment and promotes the growth of local SMEs, particularly those in the artisan and traditional crafts sectors.
Empowering the Publishing Industry
A central objective of the fair is to create a robust ecosystem for the publishing industry. A dedicated business zone facilitates networking and deal-making between authors, literary agencies, publishers, and printers from over 25 countries. This B2B platform enables the signing of crucial agreements that support Saudi authors and strengthen the local and regional publishing market. The presence of entities like the Cultural Fund further enhances this ecosystem by offering specialized financial solutions. Through its “Cultural Financing” program, the fund provides flexible, competitive loans to cultural enterprises, enabling them to launch, scale, and contribute sustainably to the Kingdom’s economic diversification.
About The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission
Established in February 2020 by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission is the official governing body for these sectors in the Kingdom. The Commission is tasked with developing the industry’s infrastructure, empowering practitioners, and creating a supportive legislative environment. It plays a pivotal role in achieving the goals of the National Strategy for Culture and Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting literature and translation as key components of the Kingdom’s cultural and economic landscape.
Source: Al Riyadh
