Amman: The State of Qatar will have a significant role during the Amman International Book Fair's silver jubilee celebrations scheduled from September 24 to October 3. Qatar's Ministry of Culture and several Qatari publishers will showcase their production alongside many Arab and international publishing houses.

According to Qatar News Agency, Jabr Abu Fares, President of the Union of Jordanian Publishers and director of the fair, mentioned that this year's edition would feature a wide range of participating countries, publishers, and new publications, including several publishers participating for the first time. He highlighted Qatar's participation as part of its continued presence at major Arab cultural events, stating it would help strengthen cultural ties between Qatar and Jordan and provide Jordanian readers greater access to Qatari literary and cultural works.

The fair will also feature a comprehensive cultural program, including literary and poetry evenings, seminars, and discussions on contemporary cultural issues. Among the topics to be addressed is the growing impact of artificial intelligence on writing and publishing. Promoting reading remains one of the fair's primary objectives, alongside encouraging writing and book ownership. Organizers also aim to strengthen interest in printed books while acknowledging the growing importance of digital publishing.

Abu Fares emphasized the attention given to children and young people, highlighting the importance of families, schools, and cultural institutions in developing a lasting culture of reading. Organizers expect strong public attendance, building on the success of previous editions, with schools, universities, and students invited to partake in the event and its activities.

He noted that finding a suitable venue for the book fair was challenging due to the lack of venues accommodating the scale of an international book fair in Amman. Setting up a temporary venue presents logistical challenges, which is why the management was keen on selecting the most suitable venue from available options. The goal is to provide an appropriate environment for publishers and readers, ensuring the fair's continuity and development year after year.

Challenges facing the publishing industry include marketing and the decline of some traditional markets for printed books, challenges that extend across various Arab countries. The shift toward digital books has become increasingly evident due to the rising cost of printed books and the growing familiarity with digital media among students and readers.

Abu Fares called for creating reliable digital platforms to protect authors and publishers' rights against digital piracy. The rising cost of paper, printing, shipping, and imports have directly impacted book prices, while developments in global transport and trade affect the cost of producing books. Considering readers' purchasing power is crucial, particularly given the economic burdens on families and students. He urged publishers to seek affordable prices to make original works accessible to readers.

He also mentioned that artificial intelligence technologies could benefit authors, publishers, and readers, yet he cautioned against relying on them without verification and review, particularly in intellectual, political, and historical works.