Book lovers and publishing enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia can now mark their calendars, as the Riyadh International Book Fair 2026 has been confirmed to take place from December 10 to 19, 2026, in Riyadh.
The dates were announced by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, which has also opened registration for local and international publishing houses interested in participating in this year’s edition. The registration window will remain open until October 1, 2026.
The 10-day cultural event is one of Saudi Arabia’s major annual gatherings dedicated to books, literature, publishing and translation. It brings together publishers, authors, translators, academics and readers, while providing a platform for the launch and promotion of new literary and intellectual works.
The 2026 edition will feature a wide-ranging cultural programme, including panel discussions, dialogue sessions, lectures, workshops and literary events. Sessions are expected to bring together writers, academics and specialists from Saudi Arabia and other countries, creating opportunities for discussions around literature, publishing, translation and contemporary cultural issues.
Syria has been selected as the Guest of Honour for the 2026 edition. The selection was announced earlier this year by Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, who also chairs the board of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission. The commission said the participation is intended to support cultural exchange and highlight the depth of Saudi-Syrian cultural ties.
The fair will also continue features designed to give Saudi writers and younger readers a dedicated space. The Saudi Author Corner will provide Saudi authors who hold the publishing and distribution rights to their works with an opportunity to present and promote their books directly to visitors.
A dedicated Children’s Pavilion is also planned, with books for children and young adults alongside interactive activities and creative workshops designed to encourage reading and imagination.
While the dates have now been confirmed, some visitor details, including the venue, daily timings and ticketing information, have not yet been announced officially. Further information is expected to be released closer to the event.
The announcement comes after previous editions attracted publishers and visitors from Saudi Arabia and around the world. The 2024 edition, for example, featured around 2,000 publishing houses from 30 countries, alongside author meetings, book signings, children’s activities and cultural programming.
With the 2026 edition scheduled for December, Riyadh is set to close the year with another major celebration of books, ideas and cultural exchange.
