Fair fares better than last year

The book fair, which will conclude today, is expecting a big footfall over the last weekend. There is everything going in favour of a huge participation, stable climate conditions, ample parking and refreshing facilities within the complex   

Vinod Nair -

Muscat, MARCH 3 -

Muscat International Book Fair attempts to break past records in terms to visitor participation, including a large number of school students. A number of knowledge-based contests have been arranged for children, including prize amounts. The last weekend events include an interactive session with Maher Zain and other contests with valuable prices, according to organisers.

The book fair, which will conclude today, is expecting a big footfall over the last weekend. There is everything going in favour of a huge participation, stable climate conditions, ample parking and refreshing facilities within the complex.

“Book fair gets good response from the visitors every year especially from children. A large number of foreign publications also bring residents to the fair. I am sure the figures for this will exceed all past records. Not sure about sales, but hopefully it will be equally impressive,” said a volunteer from the Ministry of Information.

“It is arguably the second biggest national cultural event after Muscat Festival for it gives opportunities to bring both citizens and residents under one roof. I don’t want to comment on the pricing of books because it is generally expensive in this part of the world. But it does help to attract children towards books,” said Mohan Prakash, an expatriate in Oman for the last 16 years.

“This venue is simply fantastic and awesome, a bit away from the main road, but good parking facilities, elevators and public transport services will make it a good trip with the family to the fair,” said Mickey, an expatriate homemaker from Philippines.