Muscat International Book Fair opens with wide participation

MUSCAT, APRIL 24

The 29th edition of Muscat International Book Fair kicked off on Thursday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University.

The opening ceremony was attended by Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah, Dr Abdullah bin Nasser al Harrasi, Minister of Information and Chairman of the Main Committee of Muscat International Book Fair.

The chief guest toured the exhibition pavilions, which feature a wide array of cultural, intellectual and scientific titles.

The total number of listed publications reached 681,041, including 467,413 Arabic books and 213,610 foreign titles. The Omani collection comprises 27,464 books, while newly-printed publications (2024-2025) account for 52,205 titles. Notably, 52,205 of the displayed books were published between 2024 and 2025.

A dedicated space has been created for children and family activities, including a theatre for performances and workshops, a corner for the Arabic language and a children’s cultural corner.

A total of 155 events are planned, featuring interactive and entertainment shows, youth initiatives and puppet performances.

Additionally, cultural cafés have been set up in several participating pavilions.

Al Sharqiyah North Governorate is this year’s ‘Guest of Honour’, with a special pavilion showcasing the governorate’s local culture, history, notable figures, scientific and humanitarian contributions, tourist attractions and modern lifestyle across its various wilayats.

Ahmed al Rawahi, Director of the Muscat International Book Fair, expressed pride in the visit of Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed al Qasimi, who signed his new publication ‘The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Events in Annals from 1497 to 1757’ at the Sharjah Book Authority’s pavilion.

Al Rawahi noted that this year’s edition celebrates a number of intellectuals and creatives from both Oman and abroad, welcoming all guests attending the cultural programme and exploring Omani culture, people and national identity. He added that the cultural programme of Al Sharqiyah North will highlight the governorate’s cultural, historical and developmental heritage. The fair also celebrates Saudi Cultural Days, featuring a series of events led by prominent Saudi intellectuals with participation from Omani writers.

The current edition is held under the theme: ‘Cultural Diversity Enriches Civilisations’, emphasising openness and cultural exchange through its events and hosted figures.

Ibrahim Saad Bishan, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Sultanate of Oman, said that the Kingdom is participating in this year’s exhibition with 38 publishing houses as part of the Saudi Cultural Days. Several cultural events will also be held to celebrate Omani-Saudi relations, reflecting initiatives by the Omani-Saudi Coordination Council to strengthen cultural cooperation.

Speaking on the occasion, Mahmood bin Yahya al Thuhli, Governor of Al Sharqiyah North, emphasised that the governorate’s participation as guest of honour marks a significant cultural milestone, showcasing its literary, tourism, economic and heritage treasures. The pavilion features an AI-powered platform to promote the governorate and a children’s corner dedicated to the Omani identity. The governorate is organising 15 diverse events, including seminars and lectures on literature, sports, education and tourism.

The pavilion also aims to promote the governorate’s unique tourist sites from golden sands and resorts to natural water springs and historic landmarks across its wilayats — inviting visitors to discover these treasures firsthand.

The book fair runs till May 3, and is open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, allowing visitors of all ages to explore exhibits and events at convenient times. The organising committee has allocated special morning hours for school students - from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on weekdays - to provide a safe and educational environment that nurtures young people’s love for reading and learning from an early age.