RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture and Information is to honor 32 prominent figures from the Kingdom and other Arab countries for their contribution to Arab heritage by naming after them sections of the Riyadh International Book Fair. The figures, known for their contributions to literature, culture and heritage, include 10 from Saudi Arabia, eight from Egypt, three from Iraq, three from Syria, two from Tunisia, two from Morocco and one from each of Jordan, Sudan, Lebanon and Libya. Book Fair organizer Muhammad Abbis said the Riyadh Book Fair was regarded as the second most important in the Arab world after Cairo International Book Fair, and highlighted one special feature, the “Cultural Coffee House”, which will be held at Madaream Hotel here over 11 days. “The Coffee House is a platform for guests of the Book Fair to discuss cultural issues,” Abis said. “It has been a great success in previous years in attracting intellectuals from Arab countries who have raised very important cultural issues.” Guest of honor at the 2011 event is India, while special honors will be given to commemorate three prominent Saudi names: the late Ghazi Al-Qosaibi; Muhammad Abdo Yamani, and Sheikh Ahmad Al
