🇲🇦MoroccoNorth Africa
Saudi Arabia showcases literary ambitions at SIEL 2026 in Rabat
via Le Matin2 min read
Saudi Arabia is presenting a significant cultural presence at the 2026 International Publishing and Book Fair SIEL in Rabat, a city designated as a World Book Capital by UNESCO. The Saudi pavilion, managed by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission under the Ministry of Culture, aims to bridge the gap between the peninsula's ancient traditions and its emerging modernity. Fourteen authors are featured, presenting works from lyrical poetry to contemporary essays, reflecting the renewal of Saudi literature. Dr. Abdullatif Alwasel, Director General of the Commission, stated that the pavilion serves as an invitation to the world to explore Saudi Arabia's creative thought and integrate its intellectual output into international exchanges. The Saudi program at SIEL 2026 includes roundtables and poetry evenings, fostering dialogue between Saudi and Moroccan intellectuals, particularly on translation and digitalization. The digital transformation, a key focus for the Commission since its establishment in 2020, is also evident in the pavilion's organization, which explores how new technologies support the evolving book industry. By bringing together various public institutions, Saudi Arabia's presence highlights the growing importance of culture in the Kingdom's national agenda. This prominent participation in Rabat underscores Saudi Arabia's cultural positioning and its effort to project literary voices to an international audience. The Saudi pavilion is among the most
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