Al Ayam Book Fair inaugurated

Bahrainis' keenness on reading and learning is a tradition that is deep-rooted in Bahrain’s historic openness on different civilizations and peoples and readiness to embrace other cultures and ideas, Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa said.

“This is a collective shared responsibility that should be transferred across generations,” he said as he inaugurated Al Ayam Book Fair in its 26th edition.

“The advancement and progress of nations are measured by the intellectual and cultural standards of their people. The knowledge should be harnessed for the benefit of humanity and help it avoid the evils and dangers generated by deviant ideas and cultures used to destabilize societies.”

Shura Council Chairman, ministers, diplomats, intellectuals and media figures attended the ceremony.

Shaikh Khalid praised the contributions of intellectual pioneers in Bahrain who laid the foundations on which this cultural movement was built from the beginning of the modern state until the era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa who has been supporting research, science and the freedom to publish in accordance with laws and regulations.

Shaikh Khalid thanked Al Ayam for its steady commitment to hold the book fair within a policy to encourage the holding of fairs supported by Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister.

The government holds a firm belief in the importance of providing a healthy environment for creativity, ideas, cultures and arts under all forms.

Shaikh Khalid toured the fair where 240 publishing houses from 16 countries had stands featuring thousands of books on various topics and issues.

Al Ayam Board Chairman Najib Al Hamer said that the official patronage of the fair demonstrated the state’s official commitment to supporting knowledge, reading and culture and reflected Bahrain’s keenness on progress and prosperity.

More than 100 authors will be autographing their books during the fair, he added.