RIYADH, 15 March 2008 — The Riyadh International Book Fair closed yesterday with participants and organizers expressing hope that more such events would happen across the Kingdom. Some attendees, however, were disappointed at the low attendance to the readings.

“Sometimes the audiences were so small, and it embarrassed us in front of our speakers,” said fair organizer Maha Al-Sinan, who added that most literary events aren’t heavily attended in Saudi Arabia anyway.

About 600 foreign, mostly Arabic-language publishing houses attended the expo, exhibiting about 250,000 titles, mostly religious, social commentary, textbooks, humanities and works of fiction. There were some titles on economics, but none addressing politics. Many of the titles were works that had been translated into Arabic.

Some publishing companies accused the Ministry of Information and Culture — which screened and approved the publishers and their titles — of being easy regarding intellectual rights.

Majed Shebber, from Al-Waraq publishing company, said that he happened upon books whose rights are owned by Al-Waraq being exhibited by other companies.

“I reported that to the ministry, but they did not take any action,” he told Arab News. “There were no penalties or actions taken against people violating intellectual rights.”

The US Information Resources Center was also present exhibiting materials for studying in the United States.

“They brought applications for those who wish to study in the States, which have been helpful,” said Ahmad Fahad, a 23-year-old Saudi student seeking higher studies in the US.

Japan was the guest of honor of the book fair, with books in Arabic and English.

Unpublished short-story writer Sattam Al-Sadiq said he took the opportunity of the fair to gather up as many works by published writers. “I wish that such an opportunity could be arranged year-round in all cities,” said Al-Sadiq, adding that this gathering was a good opportunity for him to introduce his skills to publishers who are willing to sponsor him.

Not all visitors however were interested in reading. Some were accompanying their kids (on the “family” days where women and children were allowed to attend) hoping that they would pick up the reading habit.

“I’m not into books, but I want my kids to be,” said a book fair attendee Um Abdullah. “I bought some books for my children and a cup of coffee for myself.”