JEDDAH — Novels aimed at young readers, large numbers of visitors and lots of books with political overtones are just some of what to expect at this year's Jeddah International Book Fair. The Ministry of Culture and Information (MOCI) has announced that 440 publishing houses from 25 countries will participate in the 10-day fair, which will open on Dec. 11 at south Obhur. One Saudi planning to visit, Loay El-Shafei, said the fair is a cultural season and the success of the fair will showcase the community awareness toward books and expansion of individual perceptions. Another Saudi, Ziyad Fatani, who is going to attend the fair with his family said: "I am expecting a large turnout of intellectuals since the fair has not taken place in Jeddah for a long time. I am also expecting many books with political headlines because of the ongoing events in the region, which have a significant impact on public opinion, such as the issue of Syria, Yemen, and other regional conflicts." He said he is expecting a large number of new young Saudi writers publishing their books, especially young people who have became famous through social media. Saudi writer Emad Al-Yamani, who is participating in this year's fair with his book "Secret Motives", said he expects the book fair to be a successful event. "It is a wonderful opportunity," he said. "It is an honor for me as a writer and son of this generous country to participate in such a cultural presentation. This experience will be a strong motive for providing better work in the future. The fair will give me the chance to meet my readers and followers, as well as a group of colleagues, in a distinctive cultural atmosphere."
