Riyadh: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), an initiative by Saudi Aramco, launched the sixth edition of its annual Children's Book Fair today. The event runs through July 25 and features Syria as this year's guest of honor. The Syrian pavilion was inaugurated by Charg© d'Affaires of the Syrian Embassy in the Kingdom, Mohsen Mahbash. It showcases more than 250 children's book titles highlighting Syria's literary contributions to Arabic children's literature.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Syria's selection as guest of honor reflects the country's longstanding contribution to the development of modern Arabic children's literature and its role in enriching Arab cultural content for young readers. The pavilion also highlights successful collaborations between Syrian and Saudi publishing houses in producing children's books and stories.

The fair's accompanying cultural program includes dialogue sessions featuring Syrian authors who are also exhibiting their publications. Many of these works have been released in partnership with Saudi publishing houses and cultural institutions.