MUSCAT: Despite the dominance of screens in our daily lives, from smartphones to laptops and tablets, printed books continue to hold a special place in people’s hearts. This reality is clearly felt across the halls of the Muscat International Book Fair this year, where visitors fill the aisles between publishing houses, their eyes meeting the titles with a sense of awe and that familiar childhood thrill reawakens with the first touch of a page.
In an era where “digitisation” seems to consume everything, the printed book endures with something deeper than habit: nostalgia, a tangible connection to knowledge and the passion for an intimate relationship between reader and paper.
At the entrance to book fair hall, among neatly stacked piles of novels, we met Sara al Saadi, a 37-year-old Arabic language teacher, browsing through new releases. She smiled and said: “I sometimes read on devices, especially while travelling, but nothing compares to holding a real book. The smell of the paper, the weight in my hand and the small details like folding a page I loved... These are feelings no cold screen can replace.”
Sara was not alone in expressing this sentiment. Dozens of visitors, young and old, confirmed that the sensory experience of reading a physical book remains unmatched, no matter how advanced technology becomes.
“I buy books even when they’re available for free online.”
Mohammed Khalid Saeed, a student majoring in human resources, was seen carrying a stack of philosophy and economics books. When asked why he chooses to buy physical books despite the free availability of e-books, he enthusiastically replied: “E-books are practical, I won’t deny that. But buying a physical book makes me feel committed to reading it. Digital files just pile up on my devices without me ever going back to them.”
He added: “There’s a special reverence for a printed book. Every line, every handwritten note in the margins, becomes part of my intellectual journey with it.”
A notable feature of this year’s book fair is the diversity of its visitors. Children, youth and elders alike are united by a common passion.
Noura al Ghdani, a high school student, was seen exploring science fiction shelves. She shared: “I love technology and spend hours on my phone, but when it comes to reading, I prefer a real book. I feel like I’m stepping into another world as soon as I open the cover.”
When asked why she resists the lure of e-reading apps, she answered simply: “A printed book helps me focus. No notifications, no interruptions.”
Beyond reading, many visitors view the book fair as a full cultural experience that cannot be replicated digitally.
At a booth dedicated to author signings, we met Ahmed al Balushi, a tourism industry professional, waiting for his turn to have a book signed by a local Omani writer. He said: “Owning a printed book is part of the entire experience. I’m not just buying a book; I’m creating memories — meeting the author, exchanging a few words, getting a personalised signature. These moments can’t be downloaded.”
Amid the ever-accelerating consumption of fast digital content, returning to printed books feels like a quiet act of resistance. A book doesn’t require batteries, doesn’t crash when the internet fails and doesn’t disappear with software updates.
Amal Mohammed, mother of 5 children, shared her thoughts: “In the rush of everyday life, I find peace with a book. I turn off all devices and allow myself to be immersed in the pages. It’s my private time, away from all the noise.”
“Our children also need this kind of deep connection. That’s why I make sure to bring them to the fair — to show them that books aren’t just academic material, but windows to the world.”
This year’s book fair reaffirms a simple yet profound truth: despite all the digital transformations, the printed book retains its own unique magic.
It is more than just a vessel for information; it is a ritual of life, a moment of quiet reflection amid the noise of the screens.
Perhaps this very magic — the combination of sensory, emotional and intellectual engagement — is what ensures that the printed book will continue to thrive, generation after generation.
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