Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, the governor of Makkah,officially opened the fifth edition of the Jeddah International Book Fair onWednesday.
The prince toured the event, at which 400 publishing housesfrom 40 countries are taking part, and honored three renowned figures from thelocal literature and media scenes: Dr. Hashem Abdo Hashem, the former editor inchief of Okaz newspaper; writer Abdel Fattah Abu Madian; and writer Meshaal binMuhammad Al-Sudairy.
Prince Mishaal bin Majed, the governor of Jeddah andchairman of the exhibition's Higher Committee, thanked Price Khalid for hissupport of the fair since it was founded. He also expressed his gratitude toKing Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their great support.
He added that the success of the event is the result of thehard work of a number of organizations. In particular, he wished the Ministryof Culture continued success in organizing the fair as part of its effortsto develop culture in the Kingdom as one of the pillars of Saudi Vision 2030.
Other VIP guests and dignitaries at the inauguration of thefair included Prince Badr bin Sultan, the deputy governor of Makkah; PrinceSaud bin Abdullah, adviser to the governor of Makkah; and Prince Khalid binMishaal, deputy governor of Jeddah.
The book fair continues at Land of Events in South Abhuruntil Dec. 21.
