Muscat International Book Fair has started on 24th February 2022

on Feb 24, 2022

Bibliophiles in Oman are keen to attend the Muscat International Book Fair which commenced at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre on 24th February 2022.

His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, muscat International book fair will continue till 5 March and 361,230 titles of books from 715 publishers will be available to the public at the book fair.

Omar Al Balushi, an Omani national said: “The book fair has a wide variety of books covering extensive subjects and is definitely a place anyone will enjoy. There is no habit in the world as good as reading: It stimulates the mind, encourages you to think creatively and helps develop your intelligence.”

“It’s a good thing to encourage children to read at a young age and just like they have in the past book fairs, I am sure they will be looking forward to this one as well,” he said.

“After not being able to go last year, we are very much looking forward to visiting the book fair this year,” said Alice Wilson, an emigrant in the country. “Events like this only add to the optimism after two years of the pandemic and remind us of how fortunate we are.”

The Governorate of South Sharqiyah would be the guest of honor this year, said Dr. Abdullah Nasser Al Harrasi, the Minister of Information.

He added “It will showcase a wide range of programmes and cultural activities carrying the insignia of its heritage and cultural legacy throughout the days of the book fair,” “The decision to hold the book fair this year was the outcome of extensive study, bearing in mind all concerns and interests. Strict precautionary measures were devised by a specialized technical and health team to ensure the safety of all visitors.”

Some 570 publishers from 27 countries will exhibit their publications at the book fair directly, while another 145 will participate through agents.

“The venue will comprise the guest of honor wing, as well as other rooms named after Arab and Omani celebrities,” said Ahmed Saud Al Rawahi, the director of the Muscat International Book Fair. “Other areas will be dedicated to official departments, nationwide initiatives, sponsors and media channels.”

“As many as 114 cultural activities, among them 29 unique to the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, will be staged, but children’s activities will be limited to 85 in line with Covid-19 precautionary measures,” added Sayyid Said Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Culture at the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Youth.