A man reads a book at the Riyadh International Book Fair 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 2, 2025.(Xinhua/Luo Chen)
RIYADH, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- This year's Riyadh International Book Fair, held from Oct. 2 to 11, highlighted the growing cultural and literary exchanges between Chinese and Arab writers, translators, and readers.
More than 10 Chinese publishers joined the event, presenting over 1,000 titles that drew strong interest from local readers.
A major highlight was the Arabic debut of Chinese novelist Mai Jia's Rensheng Haihai (Life Is Ocean-Wide), translated by Egyptian translator Yahya Mokhtar and published by Kuwait's Kalemat Publishing House.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the China Pavilion of the fair, Mai said, "the protagonist of 'Rensheng Haihai', the Colonel, was born and raised in China. Yet I believe his story resonates equally well in the Arab world, because the Chinese and Arabs share a spirit of resilience -- an ability to smile in the face of hardship and confront life with courage and humor."
Mai expressed his excitement at seeing his novel reach Arabic readers. He hopes that the Arabic edition will allow more readers across the Arab world to connect with Chinese literature, transcending language and geographic barriers, and fostering reflection on the shared human destiny.
A series of cultural exchange activities was also held, including the Saudi-China Dialogue and Exchange on Modernization and Saudi-China Literary Salon.
Photo taken on Oct. 2, 2025 shows the China Pavilion at the Riyadh International Book Fair 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Xinhua/Luo Chen)
Guan Hong, deputy general manager of China Intercontinental Press, told Xinhua, "through these diverse cultural displays and exchanges of ideas, we hope Arab readers can gain a deeper appreciation of China's cultural heritage and literary charm, and a more comprehensive understanding of the historical process and spiritual essence of Chinese modernization."
Arab publishers are also actively bringing in Chinese books. From classical masterpieces to contemporary literature, from history and philosophy to children's books, publishing houses from Arab countries, including Lebanon, Egypt and Kuwait, have brought a wide range of Arabic editions of Chinese works to this year's Riyadh fair.
Digital Future, a Lebanese publishing house, set up a special section dedicated to Chinese culture and literature in its exhibition area, showcasing the works it introduced from China and translated into Arabic.
Two women talk at the Riyadh International Book Fair 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Luo Chen)
Mohamad El Khatib, CEO of Digital Future, said that its cooperation with Chinese publishers began in 2009. "We have introduced Chinese works covering a wide range of fields, including culture, children's literature, language learning, and academic research."
El Khatib added that his publishing house participates every year in international book fairs held in Cairo, Abu Dhabi, Rabat and other cities, where it showcases and promotes Chinese books.
"In recent years, Arab readers have shown growing interest in Chinese books," he said. "They are curious about Chinese culture, history, science and technology, and social development. Meanwhile, an increasing number of universities and cultural institutions in the region are offering Chinese language and China studies courses, driving sustained demand for Chinese-language learning materials and publications on Chinese culture," he added.
A single purchase
