The Saudi Arabian pavilion, representing the Guest of Honour at the 29th Algiers International Book Fair
(SILA 2026), has been attracting large numbers of visitors eager to explore the Kingdom’s rich and diverse
cultural heritage. From historical manuscripts and traditional crafts to live artistic performances,
contemporary cinema and the latest publications, the pavilion offers a fascinating journey through Saudi
Arabia’s cultural landscape. A programme of literary and intellectual events further enriches this
celebration of the Kingdom’s heritage and creativity.
Located at the main entrance to the Palestine Pavilion at the Palais des Expositions in Pins Maritimes, the
Saudi pavilion has drawn considerable attention from visitors of all ages since the fair opened its doors to
the public. Its various exhibition areas present a vibrant mosaic of Saudi culture, history, heritage and artistic
expression, featuring manuscripts, recent publications across a wide range of disciplines, traditional
clothing, handicrafts, music, performing arts and cinema.
A Journey Through History and Heritage
Inspired by the distinctive aesthetics of Saudi Arabia’s traditional architecture, the pavilion welcomes
visitors into an interactive environment where representatives provide detailed explanations of the exhibits
and their historical and cultural significance. A prominent section is devoted to reproductions of historical
manuscripts, particularly works relating to Islamic jurisprudence and the Arabic language. Among the
manuscripts on display are Al-I‘lan fi Ahkam Al-Bayan by Muhammad Al-Lakhmi and Mishkat Al-Masabih
by Muhammad ibn Abdullah Al-Tabrizi, alongside other valuable works.
One of the most distinctive features of this collection is the presentation of explanatory texts in both Arabic
and Tamazight, allowing Algerian visitors to discover these rare examples of Saudi Arabia’s written
heritage. Visitors are also introduced to the Kingdom’s modern and contemporary cinematic achievements
through posters and multimedia presentations highlighting notable Saudi films, including Hijra, directed by
Shahad Ameen, Siwar by Osama Al-Khuraiji, and Hobal by Abdulaziz Al-Shalahi.
The pavilion also features reproductions of archaeological artefacts dating back to the pre-Christian era.
These include a pottery cup decorated with black geometric patterns, a terracotta figurine representing a
standing woman, a sculpted upper section of a ceramic horse, and a rectangular sandstone stele bearing an
inscription in Nabataean script. Traditional craftsmanship occupies another prominent place in the
exhibition. Visitors can admire wooden objects and decorative works illustrating Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, a
traditional art form involving colourful geometric patterns painted on walls and wooden surfaces. The
exhibition also showcases Al-Sadu, one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest traditional crafts, based on the skilled
transformation of animal wool into threads that are woven into textiles. A dedicated section celebrates the
artistry of Arabic calligraphy.
Music, Traditional Dress and Living Arts
The richness and vitality of Saudi Arabia’s artistic traditions are further reflected in a collection of
traditional costumes worn by men and women, highlighting the diversity of the Kingdom’s regional
heritage. Another section introduces visitors to traditional musical instruments, including the tiran, a circular
percussion instrument covered with tightly stretched animal skin, as well as the oud, a stringed instrument,
the rababa and the qanun.
Modern audiovisual technology enables visitors to listen to musical excerpts and discover the distinctive
sounds and characteristics of these instruments. Live performances by a Saudi performing arts troupe have
also delighted visitors, both inside and outside the exhibition space. Through traditional music, rhythmic
chants and artistic presentations inspired by the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, the performers have created a
festive and lively atmosphere, encouraging enthusiastic interaction with the audience.
Saudi hospitality is equally well represented. A specially designed reception area invites visitors to enjoy
traditionally prepared Saudi coffee, reflecting the Kingdom’s long-established customs of generosity and
welcome. Meanwhile, the Culinary Arts Commission introduces visitors to the flavours of Saudi cuisine
through a selection of traditional dishes and desserts, including muhammar bread, ma'dous, jareesh,
marqooq and fatta.
A Rich Programme of Literary and Cultural Encounters
Beyond its exhibitions and live performances, the Saudi pavilion is hosting an extensive programme of
literary and intellectual activities throughout SILA 2026. Organised by the Literature, Publishing and
Translation Commission, the programme brings together writers, poets, intellectuals and cultural
professionals, providing opportunities for exchange and dialogue while highlighting the diversity of Saudi
Arabia’s cultural life. The participating cultural delegation includes representatives of several major Saudi
institutions, among them the Heritage Commission, the Culinary Arts Commission, the Fashion
Commission, the Architecture and Design Commission and the Film Commission.
Other participating organisations include the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic
Calligraphy, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, the King Fahd Complex for the Printing
of the Holy Quran, the King Fahd National Library, the King Abdulaziz Public Library, the King Salman
Global Academy for Arabic Language, the King Abdulaziz Complex for Endowment Libraries, the Saudi
Cultural Attaché Office in Algeria and the Arab Observatory for Translation. Together, these institutions
offer visitors a broad panorama of the Kingdom’s cultural achievements, from the preservation of historical
heritage to the development of contemporary creative industries.
Celebrating Strong Cultural Ties Between Algeria and Saudi Arabia
Speaking at the opening of the Algiers International Book Fair, Dr Abdul Latif Al-Wasel, Chief Executive
Officer of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, emphasised the significance of Saudi
Arabia’s participation as Guest of Honour. He described the invitation as recognition of the strong cultural
relations between Algeria and Saudi Arabia, as well as an acknowledgement of the Kingdom’s active
presence on the regional and international cultural scene. According to Dr Al-Wasel, the event also
represents an exceptional opportunity to introduce Algerian audiences to the diversity and historical depth of
Saudi culture. He explained that the Saudi pavilion is presenting a varied and extensive cultural programme
involving 13 cultural institutions from the Kingdom, each contributing expertise in its respective field. He
further stressed that this participation would help strengthen the literature, publishing and translation sectors
in both countries through professional meetings, literary exchanges and opportunities for cultural
cooperation.