The Saudi ambassador visits the Kingdom's pavilion at the Damascus Book Fair 2026
In a move that reflects the depth of fraternal ties and affirms the leading role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Arab cultural scene, the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Syrian Arab Republic, Dr. Faisal Al-Mujfel, conducted an important inspection visit to the Kingdom's pavilion participating as the "Guest of Honor" in the Damascus International Book Fair for 2026. This visit comes within the framework of the activities of the fair, which extends from February 6 to 16, where the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission leads the Saudi participation with a rich and diverse cultural program.
High-level Arab diplomatic presence
Ambassador Al-Mujafel's visit was not a mere protocol event, but rather one marked by a significant Arab diplomatic presence that reflected solidarity and appreciation for the distinguished Saudi presence. He was accompanied on the tour by a number of Arab ambassadors, including the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Waheed Mubarak Sayyar; the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman, Mr. Turki bin Mahmoud Al-Busaidi; the Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Dr. Sufian Al-Qudah; and the Ambassador of the Lebanese Republic, Mr. Henri Quston, in addition to the Chargé d'Affaires of the UAE Embassy, Mr. Abdul Hakim Al-Nuaimi. This extensive diplomatic presence sends a clear message about the importance of culture as a bridge for communication between Arab nations.
A meeting that strengthens cultural partnership
At the start of his tour, the Saudi ambassador held a cordial meeting with the Syrian Minister of Culture, Mohammed Yassin Saleh. The Syrian minister expressed his appreciation for the Kingdom's selection as the "Guest of Honor" for this edition of the fair, considering it a valuable addition to the exhibition's long history and a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted cultural ties between the two brotherly nations. The meeting addressed ways to enhance joint cooperation and the exchange of expertise in the fields of publishing and literature, serving the Arab intellectual and enriching the Arabic library.
Dimensions of Saudi participation: Vision 2030 and soft power
The Kingdom's participation in the 2026 Damascus International Book Fair holds strategic importance that transcends mere exhibition; it represents a practical embodiment of the goals of "Saudi Vision 2030," which places great emphasis on culture as a cornerstone of quality of life and a soft power that enhances the Kingdom's international standing. Through the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, Saudi Arabia presents a cultural model that blends tradition and modernity. The pavilion highlights Saudi intellectual output, ranging from rare manuscripts that chronicle the history of the Arabian Peninsula to the latest publications in fiction, translation, and comics.
Events that reflect cultural diversity
The ambassador and his entourage toured the various sections of the pavilion, designed to offer visitors a comprehensive cultural experience. The tour included a display of Saudi fashion showcasing national identity, a section featuring replicas of archaeological artifacts, and a presentation of publications from the "Tarjim" initiative, which aims to build bridges of knowledge with other cultures. The Saudi participation also includes a rich cultural program of seminars and poetry readings featuring prominent Saudi writers and intellectuals, providing the Syrian public with an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the Kingdom's rapidly evolving cultural landscape.
This strong presence of the Kingdom in a prestigious cultural event like the Damascus International Fair confirms Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting joint Arab action and using culture as an effective tool to promote dialogue and spread the values of tolerance and creativity in the region.
