Tunisian President Kais Saied visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s pavilion, overseen by the Saudi Cultural Attaché, during the 39th edition of the Tunis International Book Fair. His visit followed the official opening ceremony, attended by a select group of media professionals, publishers, and figures interested in cultural and scientific affairs.
President Saied was received by the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Tunisia, Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr, along with several pavilion supervisors. During his tour of the Saudi pavilion, he viewed the exhibits and engaged in conversation with the ambassador and officials, expressing his appreciation for the Kingdom’s pioneering role in various scientific and cultural fields.
The Saudi pavilion, led by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, features the participation of the Ministry of Education, showcasing visual presentations on the e-learning system and digital empowerment platforms, most notably “Madrasti” and “Rawdati,” alongside a range of interactive educational programs and tools. The “Study in Saudi Arabia” program is also presented, highlighting educational opportunities in the Kingdom.
The pavilion includes contributions from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an, the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, the King Abdulaziz Public Library Foundation, King Saud University, the Islamic University, Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, and Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, offering a rich and contemporary collection of scientific, cultural, and intellectual publications.
Since the opening day, the Saudi pavilion has attracted a large number of visitors, including intellectuals, media professionals, and students. Copies of the Holy Qur’an have been distributed to pavilion visitors throughout the fair.
This participation reflects the integrated efforts of Saudi governmental and non-governmental entities and reinforces the Kingdom’s global cultural presence, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The pavilion also hosts a vibrant cultural program, supported by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, featuring a selection of Saudi intellectuals engaging in discussions on cultural production, literature, geography, the Arabic language, and poetic experiences. These activities are conducted under the theme “The Year of Handicrafts 2025,” promoting interaction with counterparts from Tunisia and other Arab countries.
The pavilion’s design uniquely blends authenticity and modernity, emphasizing the symbolic value of the printed book while incorporating interactive electronic tools, offering visitors a comprehensive cultural experience that reflects the evolution of publishing and creativity in Saudi Arabia.
It is noteworthy that this edition of the fair is held under the theme “We Read to Build,” with China as the official guest of honor. The fair hosts over 100 Chinese cultural figures and 183 intellectuals from around the world, including 50 from Arab and foreign countries, as well as a number of Saudi cultural figures.
Saudi Arabia’s participation in the fair embodies the ongoing development of relations between the Kingdom and the Republic of Tunisia, particularly in the fields of culture and science, which are vital to human development and progress.
Translation: Maha Amrawi — Arab Affairs
Écrit par : Bassam Aouda
