“Journeys to the past with virtual reality technology at the City Book Fair”
The “I Am the City” pavilion at the Madinah Book Fair 2025 is witnessing increasing visitor turnout, as people seek an exceptional experience blending technology and memory. Through virtual reality (VR) journeys, participants embark on a sensory digital tour of Makkah and Madinah as they were 14 centuries ago, reviving the spirit of these places and the early days of Islamic civilization.
This interactive project aligns with the Kingdom’s digital development goals under Vision 2030, particularly in supporting religious tourism and technological innovation. The pavilion serves as a platform to showcase how technology can preserve spiritual and historical heritage.
The experience relies on a precise combination of 3D models, high-definition realistic imagery, and carefully designed sound effects to deliver an immersive sensory journey that mimics an actual visit. It enhances visitors’ engagement with religious and cultural heritage.
This innovation aims not only to visually astonish but also to deepen visitors’ understanding of the significance of the two holy cities in Islamic consciousness, conveying this meaning in a modern way suited to the digital generation.
The “I Am the City” pavilion is one of the standout features of the fair, organized by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission in its fourth edition. It merges knowledge, technology, and experience to present diverse cultural content reflecting the depth and richness of Islamic memory.
The Madinah Book Fair 2025 offers a packed program including cultural seminars, workshops, poetry evenings, and unique performances that blend tradition and innovation.
The *I Am the City* pavilion is a contemporary cultural installation that celebrates urban identity and community. Often featured in public art exhibitions or city festivals, it highlights the dynamic relationship between residents and their urban environment through interactive displays or multimedia. While specific origins vary by location, such pavilions typically aim to foster civic pride and dialogue about city life.
Madinah Book Fair 2025
The Madinah Book Fair 2025 is a prominent cultural and literary event held in Medina, Saudi Arabia, showcasing a wide range of books, publications, and intellectual discussions. Building on previous editions, the fair aims to promote literacy, knowledge exchange, and Islamic scholarship while celebrating Medina’s rich heritage as a center of learning. The event typically features local and international authors, publishers, and cultural activities, reinforcing the city’s historical role in Islamic education.
Makkah
Mecca (Makkah) is the holiest city in Islam, located in Saudi Arabia. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, the sacred structure at the center of the Masjid al-Haram, toward which Muslims worldwide pray. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit Mecca for Hajj, a mandatory religious duty, following traditions dating back to the 7th century and earlier.
Madinah
Madinah, also known as Medina, is a sacred city in Saudi Arabia and the second holiest site in Islam after Makkah. It is where the Prophet Muhammad migrated in 622 CE (the Hijra), establishing the first Muslim community and the city’s iconic **Al-Masjid an-Nabawi** (the Prophet’s Mosque), which contains his tomb. Madinah remains a major pilgrimage destination and a center of Islamic learning and history.
Islamic civilization
Islamic civilization refers to the cultural, scientific, and intellectual achievements of Muslim-majority societies from the 7th century onward, rooted in the teachings of Islam. It flourished during the Golden Age (8th–14th centuries), with advancements in fields like mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and philosophy, while preserving and expanding upon Greek, Persian, and Indian knowledge. Centered in regions from Spain to South Asia, it left enduring legacies in architecture (e.g., mosques, madrasas), literature, and governance, shaping global history.
Vision 2030
“Vision 2030” is Saudi Arabia’s ambitious strategic framework launched in 2016 to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil by 2030. Spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, it focuses on developing sectors like tourism, technology, and infrastructure, including mega-projects like NEOM and the Red Sea Project. The initiative also aims to promote social reforms, cultural openness, and women’s empowerment, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global investment and tourism hub.
Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission
The **Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission** is a Saudi governmental body established to promote literature, support authors, and enhance cultural exchange through translation. It plays a key role in preserving Arabic literary heritage while fostering global dialogue by translating works between Arabic and other languages. The commission also organizes literary events and awards to encourage creativity and publishing within the Kingdom and beyond.
Islamic memory
“Islamic Memory” refers to the collective cultural and historical heritage preserved within Islamic civilization, including monuments, texts, and traditions that reflect the intellectual and spiritual achievements of the Muslim world. Key sites like the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem or the Alhambra in Spain symbolize this legacy, blending art, architecture, and religious significance. These landmarks and practices serve as a testament to Islam’s contributions to science, philosophy, and culture throughout history.
