First Saudi Women’s Publishing House Shines at Riyadh Book Fair

The first Saudi women’s publishing house specializing in publishing services, Madhamin Publishing and Distribution House, participated in the Riyadh International Book Fair 2024, held under the slogan “Riyadh Reads.” The fair, organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, provided a unique cultural platform for Saudi women to publish and showcase their books. Founded by Ebtisam Al-Tuwaijri, the publishing house represents a significant step forward for women’s empowerment in Saudi Arabia’s literary sector, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 to enhance cultural participation and economic diversification.

Context and Background

The Riyadh International Book Fair 2024, held from October 3 to 12 at King Saud University, brought together publishers, authors, and literary enthusiasts from around the world. Under the theme “Riyadh Reads,” the fair aimed to promote reading culture and support the publishing industry. The participation of Madhamin Publishing and Distribution House highlights the growing role of Saudi women in the literary field, supported by government initiatives such as the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, which operates under the Ministry of Culture. This commission plays a pivotal role in fostering talent and facilitating the growth of publishing houses, particularly those led by women.

Key Details

Founder Ebtisam Al-Tuwaijri shared her inspiring journey with the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), explaining that her career shifted from law to publishing after participating in an international publishing training initiative in London in 2023. Within three days, she completed the commercial registration procedures for Madhamin Publishing and Distribution House. She later participated in the “Publishing Business Accelerator” initiative of the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission and won the award, which further propelled the launch of the publishing house. Al-Tuwaijri expressed gratitude to the commission for its support, noting its important role in facilitating procedures for publishing and translation houses, as well as its engagement with women’s expertise. At the Riyadh International Book Fair, Madhamin is showcasing ten publications and has secured translation rights for several books in various languages, including two series—one with seven volumes and another with four—as well as philosophical works in Russian and critical writings and novels from multiple languages.

Implications and Impact

The establishment of the first Saudi women’s publishing house marks a milestone in the Kingdom’s cultural landscape. It provides emerging writers, particularly women, with a platform to publish and distribute their works, fostering a more inclusive literary environment. This development not only enriches Saudi Arabia’s cultural output but also enhances its presence in the global publishing industry through translation rights and international partnerships. The success of Madhamin underscores the effectiveness of government initiatives like the Publishing Business Accelerator, which empower women entrepreneurs and contribute to the growth of the creative economy. Furthermore, it aligns with the broader societal transformation underway in Saudi Arabia, where women are increasingly taking leadership roles across various sectors.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The launch and participation of Madhamin Publishing and Distribution House at the Riyadh International Book Fair exemplify the Kingdom’s commitment to Vision 2030, particularly in empowering women and promoting cultural enrichment. By supporting women-led enterprises in the publishing sector, Saudi Arabia is diversifying its economy, enhancing its cultural exports, and fostering a knowledge-based society. This initiative reflects the leadership’s dedication to creating opportunities for women to contribute to national development, thereby strengthening the Kingdom’s global cultural standing and advancing its journey toward a vibrant, forward-looking future.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the name of the first Saudi women’s publishing house?

A1. The first Saudi women’s publishing house specializing in publishing services is Madhamin Publishing and Distribution House, founded by Ebtisam Al-Tuwaijri.

Q2. When did the Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 take place?

A2. The Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 was held from October 3 to 12 at King Saud University, under the slogan “Riyadh Reads.”

Q3. Who is the founder of Madhamin Publishing and Distribution House?

A3. Ebtisam Al-Tuwaijri is the founder of Madhamin Publishing and Distribution House, who transitioned from a law career to publishing after training in London.

Q4. What inspired Ebtisam Al-Tuwaijri to enter the publishing industry?

A4. She was inspired during her participation in an international publishing training initiative in London in 2023, where within three days she completed the commercial registration for her publishing house.

Q5. Which government body supported the establishment of Madhamin?

A5. The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, under the Ministry of Culture, supported Madhamin through initiatives like the Publishing Business Accelerator.

Q6. What award did Madhamin receive from the commission?

A6. Madhamin received the “Publishing Business Accelerator” award, which helped launch the publishing house and enabled participation as a literary agent.

Q7. How many publications is Madhamin showcasing at the book fair?

A7. Madhamin is showcasing ten publications at the Riyadh International Book Fair 2024.

Q8. What types of books has Madhamin obtained translation rights for?

A8. Madhamin has obtained translation rights for several books, including two series (one with seven volumes, another with four), philosophical works in Russian, critical writings, and novels in multiple languages.

Q9. Why is Madhamin’s participation significant for Saudi women?

A9. It provides a platform for Saudi women writers to publish and showcase their work, promoting women’s empowerment and cultural participation in line with Vision 2030.

Q10. What is the slogan of the Riyadh International Book Fair 2024?

A10. The slogan is “Riyadh Reads,” emphasizing the importance of reading and cultural engagement.

Q11. How did the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission help Madhamin?

A11. The commission facilitated procedures for publishing and translation houses, engaged with women’s expertise, and provided support through the Publishing Business Accelerator.

Q12. What was Ebtisam Al-Tuwaijri’s profession before entering publishing?

A12. She was in the legal field, but her career path shifted to publishing after the training initiative in London.

Q13. What are the two series that Madhamin has translation rights for?

A13. One series consists of seven volumes, and the other consists of four volumes, covering various topics.

Q14. How does Madhamin contribute to Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape?

A14. It enriches the literary scene by publishing diverse works, supporting emerging writers, and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s presence in the global publishing industry.

Q15. What is the role of the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission?

A15. It supports and regulates the publishing sector, facilitates procedures for publishers, and empowers women and youth through initiatives and awards.

Q16. In what languages are the philosophical works that Madhamin has rights for?

A16. The philosophical works are in Russian, among other languages.

Q17. How does Madhamin’s work align with Vision 2030?

A17. It aligns by empowering women, diversifying the economy, and promoting cultural enrichment, which are key pillars of Vision 2030.

Q18. What is the significance of the Publishing Business Accelerator award?

A18. The award provided recognition and support that boosted the launch of Madhamin and enabled its founder to participate in book production support initiatives.

Q19. Where was the international publishing training initiative held?

A19. The initiative was held in London in 2023.

Q20. What does Madhamin’s participation at the book fair signify for Saudi women entrepreneurs?

A20. It signifies growing opportunities for women in the publishing sector, showcasing their entrepreneurial success and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s cultural and economic development.

Reader Feedback

We value your thoughts. Please share your feedback on this article.

Name *

Message *

Your feedback helps us improve our coverage.