Book fair important feature of Kuwaiti cultural role

The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) said on Sunday that the annually held Kuwait International Book Fair embodies one of the most important features of the country's cultural role as it provides a cultural space for intellectuals and writers to gather and meet. The fair represents an opportunity for all, including officials, book writers, intellectuals, novelists and artists to gather and meet around the accompanying cultural and artistic affairs at the fair, Dr. Bader Al-Duweesh, Assistant Secretary General of NCCAL, said in a press conference held to discuss the upcoming Kuwait 38th Book Fair, slated to kick off at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds in Mishref on Wednesday. Also, the fair is considered as a true service for publishers to meet directly with readers as many Arab and international publishing companies seek to take part at the fair, added Al-Duweesh. In the same context, Kuwait International Book Fair Director Saad Al-Mutairi affirmed keenness of the Fair's administration on attracting many publishing companies that offer a variety of knowledge, information, and sources through their various publications, in which readers and researchers can find their needs. Around 25 countries, including 16 Arab and 9 international, are to participate in the upcoming book fair through 530 publication houses, of which 477 nationals, 45 official institutions, and 8 Arab-International organizations, Al-Mutairi added, noting that there are also 317 publication houses taking part directly at the fair, and 213 others participants via agencies. The fair is to be inaugurated by Minister of Information, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Chairman of NCCAL Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah at 10 AM on Wednesday November 20th. The Fair's working hours for the public start from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4: 30 pm to 9:30 pm during weekdays. On Fridays, it operates from 4:00 pm to 10: 00 pm