JEDDAH: Around 370 publishing houses representing 21 countries will take part in Jeddah International Book Fair, according to a website.

Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed, who is also chairman of the supreme council of the Jeddah International Fair, was quoted as saying that the book fair, which is scheduled for Dec. 12, will continue for 10 days in a 20,000 sqm area.

“The culture of books is a part of Saudi society,” the prince said.

The exhibition is aimed at developing a sense of knowledge and promoting thoughts, culture and academic research. The event would boost reading skills among youngsters and promote the thought process and local literature. The event will exhibit large number of books, especially for women and children, and will provide a platform to young writers to highlight their skills.

A number of lectures, cultural seminars, story-telling and poetry sessions will also be organized during the 10-day event.