As part of the Jeddah International Book Fair 2024, organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, a panel discussion titled "Images and Stories: A History of Place" brought together leading specialists in visual heritage and cultural anthropology. The session offered deep insight into the relationship between image and narrative in documenting places and boosting cultural tourism.

Panel themes

Researcher and cultural consultant Ghada Abalkhail addressed the importance of photography as a tool for shaping imagination and forging emotional and narrative ties to our perceptions of places. She stressed the need to understand a photographer's background and the context in which images were taken in order to reconstruct narratives that reveal a place's true history and strengthen its connection with audiences.

Poet and researcher Abdullah Al-Fares pointed to the role of image and story in boosting cultural tourism, explaining that artwork and visual documentation in museums and exhibitions play a major role in attracting visitors and introducing them to cultural heritage. He added that literature is an effective tool for documenting places and the customs of peoples, especially under Vision 2030, which has pushed for promoting tourism culture through modern tools such as social media.

Visual heritage and cultural tourism

The panel addressed the importance of visual heritage as part of cultural identity, noting that images and stories form bridges between past and present and link different generations to a place's history. It also discussed the role of literature and art in documenting the historical phases of places and communities, stressing the need to use these tools to build a positive image of Saudi culture.

Reinforcing cultural identity

The panel concluded by affirming that visual and narrative documentation reflects cultural identity and helps spread it globally, giving the Kingdom an opportunity to showcase its cultural and heritage landmarks in innovative ways, especially amid the sweeping changes taking place under Vision 2030.