Update: Forget everything mentioned here, the fair site was from last year’s. Making a new post about this year’s one.
Riyadh Book Fair always have a new domain every year, before it was www.riyadhbookfair.org but they LOST THE DOMAIN?! seriously? How hard it is to renew a domain name? It’s not hard!
The new domain is riyadhbookfair.org.sa but the website is horrible and hard to navigate and.
Please, visit the English site and have a laugh.
What I find disappointing is the lack of technical publications, the only publication company listed (list is in Arabic only, nothing on English site) with a technical name is “ثري دي كمبيوتر سنتر ” no need to translate, it is pronounced “3D Computer Center”!
I was expecting more technical books so this is a major disappointment (yet again). The US publishers listed are “school zone publishing” (kids books) “INTERNATIONAL TRADE LINKS” (I couldn’t even find a website for them) and “مركز مصادر المعلومات” wait wha?
Riyadh Book Fair starts tomorrow, I could go if I have any time to waste … if you spot some tech books (computers mainly, but if you find something interesting please post a comment).
Here’s the Riyadh International Book Fair 2010 Schedule listed here (apparently only men with Afros are allowed, and no women only days):
- Tuesday 6/3/1430 3/3/2009 Inauguration ceremony
- Wed 7/3/1430 4/3/2009 for all
- Thurs 8/3/1430 5/3/2009 for all
- Fri. 9/3/1430 6/3/2009 from 16:00 to 22:00 fro men
- Sat. 10/3/1430 7/3/2009 for all
- Sun. 11/3/1430 8/3/2009 for all, From 16:00 to 22:00 fro men
- Mon. 12/3/1430 9/3/2009 for all
- Tues. 13/3/1430 10/3/2009 for all, from 16:00 to 22:00 fro men
- Wed 14/3/1430 11/3/2009 for all
- Thurs 15/3/1430 12/3/2009 for all
- Fri 16/3/1430 13/3/2009 From 16:00 to 22:00 fro men
And here is the exhibition location on Gowalla: Riyadh Exhibitions Company.
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You really need to lower your expectations.. Let it slide, nobody cares.
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Khaled A. Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Obaikan did it a few years ago, they brought A LOT …
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Then painfully discovered there is no market for general knowledge.. The book market is mainly Islamic and poetry, everything else is marginal.
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I went to the book fair two or three years ago and been avoiding it since then. I’m bookaholic.
The thing about it, is it’s too crowded, the place is too small. Heard that it came a long way the past two years but I can’t really judge as I haven’t been there.
The thing I wish the focus about is, getting more English books and technical as well. Most of the books are classics or banned books that we can’t find normally in Jarir or Obaikan.
I might and I’m saying “might” pass by to look around.. not sure though nor looking forward to it as most of the books I need I know won’t be available and Amazon would the best option for that.
Thanks Khaled.
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Khaled A. Reply:
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:36 am
the new building is good
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the title says 2010 book fair but the time schedule listed in the post mentions year 2009….kindly recheck. I need to visit, wish me luck:)
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hi there, its me confused reporting back from the book fair scene..hmmm…disappointing! …greatly that is!…and was the book fair a joy to remember…Not at all!..i bet u can have more fun just roaming around Jarir bookstore. and yes..it was very crowded…some stalls were too small…especially the stall from Japan…tiny! though some books were cool but they werent selling. when asked why, was informed those belong to the embassy and if i wish to buy i can order it online…????..In..te..res..ting!!
ok…back to the scene…I checked the UK book stall thn…not interesting stuff..more variety can be found in Jarir again…not very interactive books..prices were high, no discounts.. I was looking for some edgy books on fashion and designing…nope, nada..the only ones that got my attention (which werent super cool but anyways) werent on sale!!..and was informed that all book will be displayed till next week and only on next thursday and friday people can buy. Well…i would hve gone again if only the books were irresistable!
thn i checked the usa book stand…even more disappointing…mostly text books or children’s literature:(
thn i didnt find the courage to get more heart broken and just took a last round and bade fare-well to the exhibit! even if i wished to have one more look, what was the use..almost all the books were in arabic..and i cant still read it, which kills me.
anyways thn went to the eatery to grab something to eat to elevate my gloomy mood…and ever since im wondering, was the sandwiches saved from the last exhibit..hmm..still pondering…the only bright light was a hot mocha from dr.cafe….good as usual..if it wasnt for it..i was most probably sobbing by now. Enough book exhibits for me and on a final note..”I love you Jarir bookstore!!”
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Khaled A. Reply:
March 5th, 2010 at 2:13 am
Thanks for info, I appreciate it
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you’re very welcome…and oh..i forgot to mention that building is nice… like the designing…and if you are going in the evening make sure to dress up a bit warmly or at least take an extra jacket or something with u…its windy and gets chilly in the evening. Peace!
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English site doesn’t even work. -.-
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