The workshop "The Art of Book Design: The Aesthetics of Form and the Magic of Content," held as part of the Jeddah Book Fair 2024 and organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, closed with a key recommendation stressing the importance of returning to traditional reading of paper books, away from the dominance of modern devices and digital screens.

The aesthetics and deep impact of the printed book

Workshop speaker Kamel Hawa said the printed book stands out for its design aesthetics and its profound effect on readers, remaining the most effective medium for conveying ideas and driving fundamental change in people's lives. He noted that the book, as a cultural symbol, is a core building block of civilizations, inspiring authors and driving the production of knowledge throughout history.

The printed book facing digital-age challenges

Discussing the civilizational value of books, Hawa cited notable historical moments illustrating the importance of books in preserving the identity and culture of peoples, pointing to the destruction of the House of Wisdom library in Baghdad at the hands of the Mongols, when books were thrown into the Tigris River in an attempt to erase an entire civilization.

He said studies have shown that reading on paper enhances comprehension and focus more than reading on electronic screens, as modern devices weaken deep engagement with written content — a finding that calls for restoring the balance between digital and paper reading.

Praise for Saudi Arabia's cultural momentum

Kamel Hawa praised the significant cultural momentum taking place in Saudi Arabia, calling for an expansion in book production across various fields to strengthen the literary and cultural scene and support the publishing industry in a way that meets readers' aspirations and enriches local and global knowledge content.